Spain or Italy - History in the making

Italy is the team who will stand between Spain and their bid to defend the title. After knocking out the favorites Germany in the semi-final, the Azzurris are all set to face La Furia Roja in the grand finale. The unexpected victory over Germany who were the only team to keep a 100 percent record in the tournament, prompted Italy’s coach Cesare Prandelli to say that he is still dreaming and is happy to play the underdog card ahead of final with Spain.

Spain will be heading into the big game with the prospect of becoming the only team to win the title back to back and the only team to hold all three straight major titles. Spain have reached the finals playing good football if not great. They have not demolished their opponents which was expected by many. The World Cup winners only just managed to get past Portugal. One of the very few complaints about this great team, is the inability to score goals in spite of dominating possession in most of the matches.

Spain’s coach del Bosque is likely to retain the 4-6-0 formation against Italy. As England and Germany found out, direct play is not necessarily the best way to open up this Italian defence, Spanish style of playing will be the best to test the Italian defence. Andrés Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas are the players who are proven big match players in the star studded Spanish team.

Italy on the other hand has the veterans of 2006 World Cup Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi. It is the first time that the Italians have reached the Euro finals in 12 years. Andres Pirlo is a peerless playmaker. The good news for Italy is that Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano are finally showing signs of combining well. If the Manchester City striker is in same mood as he was with Germany then he can cause problems for the Spanish defence.

Also the goalkeepers ought to be mentioned, Buffon and Cassillas. If the game goes to the penalties then it would be a mouth watering battle as the two goalkeepers fight it out.