Group C moves into view with an “on paper” classic kicking things off, as Spain take on Italy in the five o’clock game. That’s followed by the Republic of Ireland’s opening clash against Croatia later this evening.
Our Dugout Discussion chatroom is now open to collect any real-time musings: this thread will do the rest.
The lineups for the opening match are in and there’s some rather surprising news…
Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Alba, Busquets, Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, Silva, Fabregas.
Italy: Buffon, Bonucci, De Rossi, Chiellini, Maggio, Motta, Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio, Cassano, Balotelli.
Cesc Fabregas starts for the defending champions, as Vicente Del Bosque names a side with no recognised striker – an intriguing prospect, with the former Arsenal man likely to play as a “false nine”.
For Italy, Cesare Prandelli has altered his formation and rolled out a 3-5-2, perhaps in light of last week’s friendly defeat at the hands of Russia. Daniel De Rossi starts at the back, while Emanuele Giaccerini and Christian Maggio are given roles as wing-backs. Up front for the Azzurri, Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli lead the line.
