EURO 2012 NEWS: KIVUMBI NA JASHO SPAIN Vs ITALY

UEFA Euro 2012 Final Preview : Spain v Italy

SPAIN

V

ITALY

Olympic Stadium, Kyiv

Sunday, July 1, 2012; 18:45 Hrs GMT

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When Italy and Spain played out an enthralling 1-1 draw in their opening group game, Spanish media picked their opponents as the team they are likely to face in final. They were proved right as the Azzurris dished out an almost spotless performance to knock out overwhelming favourites Germany in semi-final to set up the grand finale against La Furia Roja. If the group league game is anything to go by,  we can have a classic match on our hands on Sunday.

SPAIN

Possible Starting XI (4-6-0): Casillas; Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets, Alonso, Fabregas, Silva.

ITALY

Possible Starting XI (4-3-1-2): Buffon; Abate, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; De Rossi, Marchisio, Pirlo; Montolivo; Balotelli, Cassano

Key Facts

• Spain has never defeated Italy in regulation time in a major tournament.
• Spain has enjoyed 66.8% average possession in their matches, Italy 53.2%
• Italy leads the tally for shots on goal with 99 against Spain’s 87 but the latter with 36 shots, has 6 more shots on target.
• Italy has not trailed for a single minute in Euro 2012.
   
   

  Players to watch out for

  Spain – Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas, Xabi

  Italy – Pirlo, De Rossi, Balotelli, Cassano