Euro 2020 Semi-Finals: Spain V/S Italy

Introduction

UEFA EURO 2020, the greatest stage for European Supremacy, has shown many colours throughout the tournament. Goals were scored, glory was attained, emotions were displayed, some teams stayed while others had to pack up. This summer full of European Football has come down to 4 ultimate teams, fighting for the continental prize. It is the most awaited day, and maybe one of the most awaited clashes of all. It is the emerging favourites Spain vs the dominant favourites Italy, in the crazy atmosphere of Wembley.

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These two teams have collided before but with different intentions and different playing styles. But as the years passed, both of these teams have evolved into competitively champion teams. Spain has emerged as the favourites as the championship progressed. Luis Enrique made a great team out of all the youngsters he picked, before being slammed by the criticism of many football fans. He is the man who never gave up and never will, though challenges arise in front of him and his team. Italy, on the other hand, had many reasons to be the favourites of this tournament. They started from their 34 months unbeaten streak, their fabulous group stage record, and their consistency in the knockout stages. Registered themselves as the clear favourites this tournament, they have everything and anything in their odds.

Can Spain make it to the final and defy the odds, or will Italy take themselves to their first major finals after 9 years?

Why Should You watch this match

This will be their 10^th meet in any major competition. This also makes Italy vs Spain the most played fixture amongst European nations in any major tournament. Also, this is their 7^th meet in EURO competitions. For the fourth consecutive EURO’s these sides meet in the knockout stages, Spain winning 2 out of 3 previous games (defeated in 2016). Italy winning 4 out of the previous 9 Major tournament games, with Spain winning one, 4 were drawn.

The last time they met was in the UEFA EURO 2016, where the Italians celebrated their victory 2-0. Italy, for the record, has reached their 12th semi-final, only Germany has reached more than them (20). Italy has progressed 9 out of 11 times in this tournament, the last time they progressed, they were defeated by Spain (0-4). Italians have a 100% record till now, which recently the Netherlands in 2010 World Cup achieved. Spain has reached the Semi-finals 3^rd time in 4 editions, winning it in 2008 and 2012.

Team Glance

Spain

After a decent start to their EURO Campaign with two consecutive draws, Spain made their mark by defeating Czech 5-0 and Croatia 5-3 in Extra-Time. Spain reached the semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 on penalties after drawing 1-1 (a.e.t). Young Spaniards giving their best is a relief for Spanish Management. Their supporters have a faith in them that they can conquer the impossible. As a team, they are developing, and they have emerged as the favourites as the tournament progressed.

Luis Enrique might not make change the team against the Italians, but might consider giving Oyarzabal a place in starting XI. Spain will go all-out in the matters of the attack to add some starting pressure. Ferran Torres and Pablo Sarabia are going to be their key men to ensure the victory. Spain pair Dani Olmo and Gerard Moreno have more shots played without scoring than any other player in this tournament.

Form

(EURO 2020): – DDWWW

Predicted XI

Formation: – 4-3-3

Defenders: – Gaya, Laporte, Pau Torres, Azpilecueta

Midfield: – Pedri  Busquets  Koke

Attack: – Sarabia Morata Torres

Player to watch out for

Ferran Torres

This Young Spaniard has made his mark in international stages and he needs no long introduction. He has a high sense of decision making and a great showcase of his quick feet, a beautiful natural talent he possesses. His co-ordinative mindset makes the player put an impetus on.

Pablo Sarabia

Pablo is the man whose contribution is well-knowingly noted for his great playmaking. Also, his sheer dedication to looking for lost balls in the defensive half makes him distinguished from others. You have an Eagle-eyed player with a great sense of looking at pitch invaders.

Italy

This team might outstand in this battle as the definite favourites and the most dominating one in UEFA EURO 2020. With being undefeated in this tournament, they will show how they have the ability to win anything. Winning all of their matches in Group stages, Italians have kept their record firm in the knockouts as well. Winning 2-1 vs Austria in a crucial Extra-Time menace in the RO16 and winning 2-1 vs Belgium in the Quarter-Finals, Italians are just one step away from the Finals. Lorenzo Insigne has been involved in 13 goals in the last 14 appearances, scoring the decisive goal vs Belgium, resulting in a 2-1 win.  Ciro Immobile contributions are always noted, with a core team already taking up probabilities to the account.

Form

(UEFA EURO 2020): – WWWW

Predicted XI

Formation – 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: – Gianluigi Donnarumma

Defence: – Emerson, Chiellini, Bonnucci, Di Lorenzo

Midfield: – Verratti, Jorginho, Barella

Attack: – Insigne, Immobile, Chiesa

Player to watch out for

Lorenzo Insigne

This Italian sharp-shooter has more eyes on the ball rather than on other’s defence. He can just shoot at chances and doesn’t wait for second chances. His great set of finishing and anticipation makes him the key man for Italians.

Ciro Immobile

The appointed Italian striker has not made his mark much but can be lethal given the conditions. His offensive awareness is noted, and his key passes, in attack, are well noticed.

Conclusion

You can already address what each of these two teams has to offer. They have everything set and planned for the Semi-Finals up ahead. It is the biggest game of the brightest European Summer Footballing Entertainment coming live to your screen. So, Sit back, Tune-IN and enjoy.

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