Spain vs Italy Nations League Semi-finals will be played in Enschede on Thursday evening. For the second time in two years the European heavyweights will face each other in the Semi-finals of Nations League.
Can Spain win their first-ever Nations League?
La Roja were victorious back in 2021, as they ended Italy’s world-record 37-match unbeaten streak, but later lost the final to France. The winner of this match will face either Netherlands or Croatia in the final of the Nations League.
After an Unimpressive World Cup, Luis Enrique’s side were eliminated by Morocco, and the former Barcelona manager was then replaced by former U-19 coach Luis de la Fuente.
However, his start was not good. He did won the first game in the EURO 2024 qualifiers against Norway. But his side lost to Scotland in his second game in charge.
Will Azzurri bounce back after heartbreak?
On the other hand the Azzurri suffered another heartbreak, as they were unable to qualify for the World Cup 2022 in Qatar after a loss to North Macedonia in play offs.
They were also hammered by Argentina in the Finalissma. Italy lost 2-1 against England in March before beating Malta in the Nations League group stage.
The 2021 EURO Champions will look to bounce back as their three Serie A clubs lost out to 3 European finals at club level. To make matters worst, Italy also lost the U-20 World Cup against Uruguay.
Spain vs Italy Nations League Semi-finals: Team News, Line-Ups and Prediction
Spain Team News
La Roja will play without Sergio Busquets and Ferran Torres. However, Robin Le Normand will start for Spain in this game. Pedri, Iago Aspas and Alejandro Balde will miss the game with minor injuries. But, de la Fuente has re-called Barca veteran Jordi Alba.
Italy Team News
Mancini will take a number of decisions to set-up his team. Domenico Beradi and Matteo Passina will miss the match due to injury. Whereas Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali will be demoted to play with the U-21.
Inter stars Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni, Federico Dimarco and Nicolo Barella had a tough final. Mancini will decide whether to start them or not.
Spain vs Italy: Predicted Line-Ups
Spain (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Alba; Rodri, Zubimendi, Merino; Asensio, Morata, Gavi
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dimarco; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Raspadori, Retegui, Chiesa
