Gli Azzurri slowly but surely becomes one of the strong candidates for a silverware in the tournament. They are only two steps away for their 2nd title. This midweek in London Roberto Mancini’s side will fight for one place at the summit against Spain. Sergio Busquets and Co have gone through two games to the last four in 240 minutes plus a penalty shoot out. Their physical fitness could be an issue here, especially if their squad is not rotated.
Both teams’ previous games
Italy managed to display their quality against the favorites after struggling to win over Austria. At the quarter finals, they beat Belgium 2-1. Nico Barella and Lorenzo Insigne bagged their winning goal while De Rode Duivels only replied once through Romelu Lukaku’s penalty.
La Furia Roja were in difficulty to defeat Switzerland at the normal time. Luis Enrique’s men could only muster a 1-1 draw versus La Nati and counted on penalties to seal one spot at the semifinal. Denis Zakaria’s own goal gave them the lead before the interval but Spain failed to extend it and even conceded through Xerdan Shaqiri’s equaliser. Unai Simon was the hero in the shoot out eventually.
Possible tactic
Roberto Mancini will still be in favour of 4-3-3. Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile remains the key man upfront in the starting XI. Juventus man Federico Chiesa should seal his spot in the line up rather than Domenico Berardi. There are some names who are still on the sideline for this fixture such as Alessandro Florenzi and Leandro Spinazzola. Giovani De Lorenzo and Emerson Palmieri shall get the nod again to cover their absence.
His counterpart, Luis Enrique, would also stick to his offensive 4-3-3 formation. Unfortunately, Pablo Sarabia is ruled out due to his injury. Dani Olmo should get his place back as the front three alongside Ferran Torres and Alvaro Morata.
Players to watch
Mancini’s main man, Lorenzo Insigne, would still feature the wide atttacker with Federico Chiesa. Yet, Ciro Immobile could be replaced by Andrea Belotti or Domenico Berrardi for more fluid role, which is needed to face the creative opponent as Spain.
Meanwhile, La Furia Roja’s skipper, Sergio Busquets is the anchorman. He has been the integral part of Spanish’s attacking build-up. Another key figure in the squad is his junior in Barcelona, Pedri.
Italy vs Spain Prediction
Leonardo Bonucci and Co will face a tough challenge against La Furia Roja. However, their solid defence could be the key in this match. Italy has only conceded two goals so far while Luis Enrique’s side has conceded six goals till quarterfinals. The clash could end up in a goal galore or even better a big win for Gli Azzurri, a win with two-goal difference would be an ideal one.
Betting Odds
The match is bound to be even. Italy is priced to win at 14/9 whereas Sergio Busquets and Co’s win market is at 11/5. The odds for a draw result are at the value of 22/10.
