VS
Two
contrasting performances in the group stage made possible the replay of the
Euro 2012 final in the Last 16 in France. Back in Kiev, it was a mauling from
Spain, absolutely dismantling a team led by Balotelli and Pirlo. A lot has
change in the Squadra Azzura, both
Balo and Pirlo are not in the squad, and Conte has in his team a group of
players that are aware that they are out looked by everyone, but with the next
Chelsea manager applying his quality methods, he formed a team that defends as
well as their predecessors, and with an interesting partnership formed by Eder
and Pellé, they are the perfect duo for the countering style that Italy and
Conte used to surprise Belgium and top the group.
Unfortunately, the reward for the Italians was
to face the reigning champions Spain. After the two expected wins in the first
two matches - against Czech Republic and Turkey - where Del Bosque’s squad took
a while, but eventually found a way to score goals, with Morata claiming the
spot of striker, it seemed that Spain would top group D, with authority and
ready to face a 3rd placed team.
Instead, in a match they only needed a draw, Spain completely feel asleep on its own game, after scoring a very early goal. And that allowed Croatia to grow in confidence and eventually turn it around to grab the win and, more importantly, the first place. Spain showed again its difficulties in set pieces and Italy will prove a very tough opponent to beat. The Spanish backline has been questioned, and they will have to keep focus if they want to help their team progress.
A (very) anticipated final, one of this great nations will go home, and surely they will want to gives us something to remember to avoid that happening.
Instead, in a match they only needed a draw, Spain completely feel asleep on its own game, after scoring a very early goal. And that allowed Croatia to grow in confidence and eventually turn it around to grab the win and, more importantly, the first place. Spain showed again its difficulties in set pieces and Italy will prove a very tough opponent to beat. The Spanish backline has been questioned, and they will have to keep focus if they want to help their team progress.
A (very) anticipated final, one of this great nations will go home, and surely they will want to gives us something to remember to avoid that happening.
FIL’S ODDS
FOR THE GAME
Italy 45%-55% Spain
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