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Team News and Tactics:
Spain: Former Real Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque has a full squad available for the showdown against the Azzurri. The 61 year old has kept his faith in his first team regulars and the same 10 players have played in every game so far, meaning he has only made the one change in his starting eleven. He is unlikely to make any drastic changes, therefore, for this game. His primary dilemma, as it has always been so far, is whether to start with a recognised striker or deploy Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas in the now traditional "false nine" role. The latter could be the way the wind blows, given Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is woefully short of form and favour and Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo was unimpressive in the semi final against Portugal. The highly rated Fernando Llorente of Athletic Bilbao has yet to make an appearance but it is unlikely the Basque will be called upon for so important a match.
Italy: Italy coach Prandelli faces a different kind of dilemma. In his opening game of the tournament, ironically against Spain, Italy looked impressive playing three at the back. A switch to a more traditional four man backline, in the semi final against Germany, showed a more stable Italy though, meaning he will need to decide on either past performance against a particular opponent or opt for more general stability. It is likely he will continue with the latter (four man defence) particularly since the team was superb against both England and Germany, in the knock-out stages.
Right back Christian Maggio is available after missing the semi final against Germany through suspension, while fellow wing-back Ignazio Abate will also come back into contention following his recovery from a muscle injury. Playmaker Riccardo Montolivo is likely to keep his place, at the expense of Thiago Motta, after impressing in the semi final.
Team News and Tactics:
Spain: Former Real Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque has a full squad available for the showdown against the Azzurri. The 61 year old has kept his faith in his first team regulars and the same 10 players have played in every game so far, meaning he has only made the one change in his starting eleven. He is unlikely to make any drastic changes, therefore, for this game. His primary dilemma, as it has always been so far, is whether to start with a recognised striker or deploy Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas in the now traditional "false nine" role. The latter could be the way the wind blows, given Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is woefully short of form and favour and Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo was unimpressive in the semi final against Portugal. The highly rated Fernando Llorente of Athletic Bilbao has yet to make an appearance but it is unlikely the Basque will be called upon for so important a match.
Italy: Italy coach Prandelli faces a different kind of dilemma. In his opening game of the tournament, ironically against Spain, Italy looked impressive playing three at the back. A switch to a more traditional four man backline, in the semi final against Germany, showed a more stable Italy though, meaning he will need to decide on either past performance against a particular opponent or opt for more general stability. It is likely he will continue with the latter (four man defence) particularly since the team was superb against both England and Germany, in the knock-out stages.
Right back Christian Maggio is available after missing the semi final against Germany through suspension, while fellow wing-back Ignazio Abate will also come back into contention following his recovery from a muscle injury. Playmaker Riccardo Montolivo is likely to keep his place, at the expense of Thiago Motta, after impressing in the semi final.
