Euro 2012 - Spain vs Italy - Final Preview

After 30 matches, 72 goals and over 46 hours of Football, Euro 2012 comes to a climax tonight as Spain clash with Italy. The Italians have been called so many things at this tournament; Brave, Passionate, Driven, Focused, but, as a rarity has it been noted that they have infact played some of the best football, on occasion, better than the likes of Spain and Germany. Therefore, it should be no surprise that they habe made the final of this prestigious tournament.

The build up to the match will be fanatic. Pundits will rave about the sheer magic that has been Andrea Pirlo's tournament, and will talk at length about whether Spain are correct to not play a recognised striker. For English viewers, expect Gary Lineker or Adrian Chiles to quip about Del Bosque's selections or try and lighten the mood with a joke.
The game itself will be a close one, Italy have not conceded first in any of their games so far, whereas the Spanish defence has been mean, conceding only 1 goal thus far in their progression to the Final. That goal came in their first game, against Italy. However, nerves may be a factor after their horrendous World Cup campaign. Spain meanwhile, have no reason to be so nervous, they are on the cusp of a major championship treble and are no longer 'the under-achievers'
The opening group game between the two sides was also a close affair, finishing 1-1 after two goals in a frenetic 5 minute period. Since that game, both sides have improved as they have settled into the tournament. Therefore the team selections in what is expected to be such a tight game will be vital.

Here is how we expect the two sides to line up:

For Italy, the team will remain the same, afterall, no changes are needed. Their performance in the Semi Final was one of a complete nature, any changes would be foolish. We think Abate is unlikely to start after missing the last game. Balzaretti was in good form.
We expect Spain to continue with their controversial plan of playing without a recognised striker, it is likely that David Silva or possibly Cesc Fabregas will play as the 'False 9' for Del Bosque's side. This position focuses on the appearance of starting as a striker, but then dropping back to pick up the ball around the midfield. Silva and Fabregas will be likely to alternate in this position.
There wil be a monumental battle in midfield. Both midfields have been world class so far this tournament. The guile of Italy's Pirlo and co. against the passing calibre of Xavi and his mates. The Italians won't be able to rely on the ball straight up the middle of the defence. They exploited this against Germany, but the Spanish defence are compact, structured and organised, they will be a lot harder to break down.
The Italy defence showed their calibre against Germany, making good decisions at vital times. The Spanish formation and style will test them, however, it has been said that Spain don't quite create enough chances for the amount of posession they have. In terms of attack, Spain will be supplemented in their attacking moves by Jordi Alba and Alvaro Arbeloa making runs up either flank. Alba has had a dream tournament and Arbeloa has also been impressive, they might create issues for Balzaretti and Chiellini when combined with the Spanish midfield.
Both keepers have been in top form so far, the age old experience of Buffon continues to dazzle as he pulls of good saves regularly and at important times. Casillas appears to have been playing for decades, yet he still has a good few years left in him. Should penalties be needed to decide this match, it will be tough to beat these two.
Italy's two strikers have been very sharp as of late, Cassano the provider, Balotelli the finisher, they have been in top form. Balotelli has been making good runs off the last man and in behind the opposition defence, while still tracking back fairly often with a new-found hunger that Manchester City faithful will be hoping makes the flight to Manchester with him after the tournament. He and Cassano may cause some issues for the Spanish Centre-Back partnership if the likes of Pirlo and Montolivo can find the right passes. However, Spain have only conceded 12 shots on target in ALL of their games at Euro 2012 so far, therefore, they will have to be at their best.
Spain will need to watch Pirlo closely, he has been given too much time on the ball so far and it has been paying off for him. Busquets and Alonso will be there to do this job and could have an effect of the fluidity of Pirlo's game.
Late in the game, substitituons may prove to be a key factor in who wins this game. The Spanish have Pedro, the enthusiastic Barcelona wide man, he will add a zip to the play and cause infinite problems with his pace. Added to this is the forgotten man, Fernando Torres. Will he be involved? Could he come on to make a vital contribution ashe most unlikely of heroes?
With regard to Italy, Diamanti and Di Natale are both attacking options. Diamanti has looked sharp in his appearances off the bench and Di Natale could be useful if they are chasing the game. In midfield, Antonio Nocerino could replace one of the midfield four should they become tired or ineffective. He has a good passing game and is often a lively character.

The Result? It will be a very tense affair, close in the first half as nerves take their time to dissipate. Towards the end of the first half, the game may open up a bit more. Spain have kept 9 straight clean sheets in knocout Football, however we fancy Italy to nick a goal. The second half will mean an opening up of the game and more chances will be created. However, it may take Extra Time to separate thw two sides.

Prediction: Spain 2-1 Italy (AET)