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Spain will face off against Italy in a Euro 2020 semifinal on Tuesday. Both European giants have found little success in international competitions in recent years but they've done well so far.
Spain and Italy have had contrasting journeys to the semifinal of Euro 2020
Spain got off to a slow start but finished the group stage thrashing Slovakia 5-0. They put on a spirited display to overcome the challenge posed by the Croatians and beat them 5-3 in the Round of 16. La Roja then scraped through to the semi-finals after beating Switzerland 1-3 on penalties.
Italy have won all but one of matches so far in normal time. They topped their group with three wins in three matches. Italy saw off Austria in the Round of 16 and beat European powerhouse Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals.
Italy and Spain are two nations with incredible footballing pedigree and both teams will be pumped up ahead of the high-profile encounter.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five reasons why Spain will struggle against Italy.
#5 Italy have looked the team in form this Euro 2020
Italy have been the most consistent team at Euro 2020. They have an incredibly talented squad of players who have all contributed lavishly to their journey to the semifinals. The Azzurri have won all of their five matches so far and did not need extra-time against Austria in the Round of 16 or against Belgium in the quarters.
Italy have a raft of in-form players as well. Lorenzo Insigne has been in excellent form and has scored two beauties at Euro 2020 already. Jorginho has been great at orchestrating play from midfield. Verratti and Barella came out on top against Belgium's midfield unit.
Immobile has scored two goals and provided two assists. Their two vastly experienced centre-backs, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, have been able to hold their own without much hassle so far as well.
#4 Spain have lacked creativity in midfield
Spain midfielders Sergio Busquets, Pedri and Koke have done a decent job so far at Euro 2020. Even though they have been good at keeping things ticking in midfield, they haven't really made any telling contributions in terms of helping their attackers out.
Spain will have their work cut out against Italy's bustling midfield unit. Roberto Mancini's midfield has the right amount of balance. While Verratti can be a creative force, Barella is a tireless worker who bombs up and down the pitch. Jorginho keeps things tidy and is great at reading the game and making recoveries as well.
#3 Spain's veteran full-backs will have their work cut out against Italy's wide men
Using the width of the pitch has been a feature of Italy's game so far at Euro 2020. Their wide men have played a huge role in their dominant run to the semifinals. Spain full-backs Cesar Azpilicueta and Jordi Alba have put in shifts but they will be tested to their limits by Italy.
Leonardo Spinazzola's absence will be a relief for Spain. But Lorenzo Insigne has been excellent down the left side. Domenico Berardi has been in good form down the right flank. Chiesa was brought in to replace Berardi in the game against Belgium and he did a good job.
Azpilicueta and Alba will have their hands full against Italy and they could be further pegged back in their own half than they have been so far. As a result, Spain could suffer on both ends of the pitch.
#2 Italy's experienced centre-back duo
Leonardo Bonucci turned in a brilliant performance against Belgium. He seemed every bit the seasoned veteran he is and was excellent with his positioning throughout. Bonucci was able to snuff out chances in his area and was also good with his distribution.
Chiellini came face-to-face with an in-form Romelu Lukaku in the quarter-final tie. The Belgian striker can be quite a tricky campaigner with his pace and movement. But Chiellini did a great job sticking to his task and keeping the Red Devils at bay.
The Italian centre-back duo are not only both experienced but they are also extremely comfortable playing alongside each other. It will be tough for any side to break them down at Euro 2020.
#1 Poor finishing has let Spain down
Neither Alvaro Morata nor Gerard Moreno seem to have brought their shooting boots to Euro 2020. While Morata's all-round play is good, he is far from a clinical finisher. He has missed six big chances so far at Euro 2020.
Gerard Moreno, who recently signed off on his best individual season, has not been much better either. He has missed four big chances at the tournament. Luis Enrique admires both his strikers but will want them to be clinical in front of goal.
Italy have conceded just two goals in their five matches so far and chances will come at a premium against them. It will be up to Morata and Moreno to make the most of the chances that come their way. But if they continue to flounder them, Spain will suffer.
