Italy and Spain clash in the first EURO 2020 semifinals, and we bring the full preview for that spectacle.
Italy and Spain clash in the first EURO 2020 semifinals, and we bring the full preview for that spectacle.
Italy and Spain are the first semifinalists of EURO 2020, and these two teams will square off at Wembley on Tuesday night. We saw a lot of spectacular battles between these two teams in the past, especially at European championships, as their clashes became almost regular in recent times. Italy is the favorite, but a slight one. On the other side, the Spaniards reached up to here without any hype or proper media coverage, which removed the pressure of their back. It is just what Luis Enrique wanted.
This team didn’t lose in the last 32 games, and that is more than impressive. Nobody realized how big of potential this team has until they shined during the group stage smashing all three rivals with a combined goal difference of 7-0.
The Italians have an extremely potent offense, capable of scoring two or more goals against any team in the world. In fact, in the last 10 matches they played, Azzurri netted twice in nine of them. They already have 11 goals scored in four games during this EURO, so that has to mean something.
On the other side, Donnarumma and the backline are perfect. We saw them withstanding the toughest possible test against Belgium, rebuffing the Red Devils’ attacks, and keeping composure throughout the entire second 45 minutes.
The Red Fury is one very tough and tactical team, underestimated by the big media and the majority of the fans. They might not be filled with superstars like the invincible generation from the end 2000s and the start of the last decade, but they sure have the potential to win EURO.
They too passed all the tests, beating both rivals in the knockout stage following extra times (Croatia) and the penalty shootout (Switzerland). You could say that they still lack some chemistry, but other than that, Spain has enormous potential, which will be fulfilled in the years to come.
Spain didn’t lose in 12 consecutive matches, but the media as well neglect that.
Spain: Simon; Azpilicueta, Garcia, Laporte, Alba; Koke, Busquets, Pedri; Sarabia, Morata, Torres
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Palmeri; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne
Since 2008, these teams have played four times on European championships. The record is two draws and wins apiece for both teams. Italy won in the 2016 knockout stage, 2-0, but four years later, Spain defeated the Italians in the finals, 4-0.
The most recent two games were in the qualifications for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The match in Italy ended 1-1, while the rematch in Spain witnessed the hosts rolling over the opponents, 3-0.
This will not be an amusing match in terms of goals because both teams like to see their events slow and calm, keeping the ball in their possession and controlling the overall tempo. The best possible pick here is under 2.5 goals, due to all the above-mentioned. You could also try both teams not to score, as well.
Our verdict: Under 2.5 goals