This is it, then. One last match of Euro 2012 left before our thoughts inevitably turn to domestic matters with the release of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) player list later this month. This evening, though, our attentions are fixed firmly on Spain’s match with Italy, as Vicente Del Bosque’s side look to win their third consecutive major international tournament in this evening’s 7.45pm showdown:
As always, we’ve opened up the Dugout Discussion ahead of kick-off:
The team news is now in and is as follow:
Spain make one change to the side that started against Portugal in the semi finals. Cesc Fabregas returns to the first-team in the “false nine” position, with Alvaro Negredo dropping to the bench – Del Bosque, therefore, has named the same starting XI that faced Italy in their opening Group C match.
The Azzurri continue in the 4-2-3-1 formation that has seen them concede just one goal in their last three matches. Cesare Prandelli makes just a single alteration to his team – Ignazio Abate has recovered from injury and returns at right-back, with Federico Balzaretti the man to miss out.
Spain XI: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Alonso, Xavi, Silva, Fabregas, Iniesta
Italy XI: Buffon; Abate, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; Pirlo, Marchisio, De Rossi, Montolivo; Balotelli, Cassano
