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Two European giants, Spain and Italy, will clash in a high-profile Euro 2020 semi-final on Tuesday.
If Spain can go all the way at Euro 2020, they will become the first side to have won four European championships. They haven't exactly enjoyed a dominant run to the semi-finals. After scraping through to the Round of 16, Spain beat Croatia 5-3 and then were tested to the limits by Switzerland, whom they beat on penalties.
Spain have had a bumpy ride to the Euro 2020 semifinal
Suffice to say, their ride to the semi-finals hasn't been very smooth and we're not entirely sure how well they're going to fare against an in-form Italian unit. Luis Enrique has more or less stuck to the same set of players but he'll know that there will be no room for error against Roberto Mancini's men.
They've had to play back-to-back 120 minute matches and the fatigue could prove to be telling against Italy, who were able to dispatch all their opponents in normal time.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the best possible starting XI for Spain at the Euro 2020 semi-final against Italy.
Spain Goalkeeper
Unai Simon will keep his place after enjoying a good outing against Switzerland. He dealt with almost everything that came his way. Simon also produced two good saves in the penalty shootout to help his side progress to the semi-finals.
David de Gea will be a frustrated individual but there is no reason for Luis Enrique to switch things up between the sticks.
Spain defenders
Cesar Azpilcueta has been a calming presence in defence for the Spaniards. They would ideally want someone who can contribute a bit more in attack but in the absence of Dani Carvajal, Azpilicueta is their best bet. The Chelsea full-back also has a vast amount of experience.
While Enrique likes Pau Torres, he could revert to a backline with Eric Garcia and Aymeric Laporte. Garcia is right-footed and it makes more sense having him paired in the backline with Laporte instead of having two left-footed centre-backs.
We expect Garcia and Laporte to start at the heart of defence for this game as Laporte will also be more comfortable playing in his natural position.
Jordi Alba was one of Spain's best players against Switzerland. He was the one who forced Spain's opener, albeit through an own goal. But Alba's enterprise and ability played a huge role in La Roja's only goal of the game.
Spain midfielders
Spain's midfield has done a decent job so far. Koke was guilty of playing a terrible back pass to Unai Simon in the game against Switzerland. But he was his efficient self otherwise and managed possession very well. Koke has been a reliable presence in the centre of the park and he is expected to keep his place.
Sergio Busquets has done well so far. He is great at doing the little things and has kept Spain ticking throughout. Enrique will bank on Busquets' experience in such a big game.
Pedri did a good job against Switzerland and was involved in every good move that came from Luis Enrique's men. His touches and movement were on point but lacked that killer final pass. But the game against Italy will be a big test for the 18-year-old who has had a grueling season that is still far from over for him.
Pedri is part of the Spanish squad for the Olympics and fatigue could really become a factor. But for now, he looks all set for the semi-final.
Spain forwards
This is where Luis Enrique will earn his money as a coach. Spain's main goalgetters Alvaro Morata and Gerard Moreno have failed to make the most of their chances. It will be interesting to see what combination Enrique goes with here.
Ferran Torres has been a lively presence down the right flank but his end product was lacking. But he had a good outing against Croatia as well and is likely to keep his place in the starting lineup.
Dani Olmo has had two good games as a substitute and he might get the nod over Pablo Sarabia here. Fatigue is definitely a factor and Olmo could improve Spain's attack against Italy.
Gerard Moreno missed a number of chances against Switzerland and is unlikely to get the nod over Morata. Luis Enrique seemed rather relieved that it was Moreno who missed those chances and not Morata as the latter had come under a lot of criticism in recent times. He said:
"Luckily it was Gerard Moreno who failed to take the chances. If Morata misses them, you impale him. It's quite evident what Morata has experienced and what Gerard has experienced. They are both my players and I love them very much."
We expect Morata to start ahead of Moreno and the latter will most likely feature as a substitute.
