LondonLondon’s iconic Wembley Stadium will host the semi-final match between Italy and Spain on Wednesday (according to IST). The Italian team has been strong defensively and it is a known fact that the Italians have the ability to produce strong, world-class defenders. The team has been proving its mettle on the offensive as well, with Robert Mancini taking over as Italy’s coach. It will be a big challenge for Spain and coach Luis Enrique.
Spain and Italy have faced each other 34 times, of which Spain has won 12 games while Italy has won 9. 13 matches between Italy and Spain have been drawn. But beyond this head-to-head state, Italy has a history of being a poor game for the Spanish team. The latest example of this came at the 2016 Euros when Spain lost to Italy in a round-of-16 match.
Before the 2016 Euro, the proud generation of Spain dominated the Italians as they won the 2012 Euro final as well as the 2008 quarter-final against Italy, but it will not be as easy for the Spaniards. Italy are on an unbeaten streak of 32 matches and are looking strong on the defensive and even in the attack.
Mancini has boosted confidence in his attacking organization by giving Immobile and Insigne freebies. These two have changed the way viewers see the Italian side. They are no longer just parked; They are attacking in full flow. The defense of Bonucci and Chiellini is like a wall and it is very difficult to break it.
On the other hand, the Spanish team is in transition with a number of new players on the block, they have certainly impressed everyone with their performance at this Euro. Spain’s journey to the semi-finals has been tough with their first two matches of the tournament being drawn, but Morata and Torres have made a strong comeback with a timely move.
It will be interesting to see if Mancini manages to perform on behalf of Luis Enrique on ‘The Italian Job’ tonight.
Italy’s Prediction XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Veratti; church, building, insignia
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