The first team to reach the Euro 2020 final will be decided as the tournament reaches the last four stage.
Here is the preview of the first game of the Euro 2020 semi finals scheduled for tonight.
Italy v Spain
TIMING:
The semi final kicks off at 12:30 am Wednesday, July 7.
HOW TO WATCH:
The game will be telecasted live on Sony Network channels, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3 and streamed on Jio Tv.
Italy
When Italy entered the tournament they were touted by many as the team that could go all way. So far they have lived up to the billing as they have swept all before them with a 100% win record. Roberto Mancini has given Italian fans a sense of belonging with this national team. This is always seen as an important factor with the Azzurri.
They enter the semi finals winning their last 13 games. The win against Belgium meant they became the first nation to win 15 consecutive matches in European competition.
As always the case this run has been built around the ‘Catenaccio’ mindset, locking out opponents from their goal. While the spine of this Italian team takes credit for this run, attack wise they have been impressive as well. Scoring 11 goals so far means their best return since netting 12 in their World Cup triumph of 2006.
There is a strong belief now that Italy can win the Euros for the first time since 1968, when they were crowned champions on home soil.
Players to watch:
Frederico Chiesa, Lorenzo Insigne and Nicollo Barella.
Recent Euro Form:
W, W, W, W, W.
SPAIN
Three-time European Champions Spain have had an indifferent campaign so far. They scrapped through the group stages and then needed extra time to win against Croatia. Extra time and penalties were required to beat Switzerland in the quarter finals. Luis Enrique has got Spain playing the way they are used to, with good short slick passes to build the attack. The only thing that could hurt them is the lack of a cutting edge and shaky defence. La Roja will have to produce a complete performance to triumph in this semi final. There will be little margin for error against Italians.
They have reason to enter this match with confidence as they famously thrashed Italy in final of Euros 2012. They now play their first tournament semi final since their 2012 winning campaign. Despite not being clinical enough they have netted 12 goals in the tournament so far, but they will need to take their chances against a stubborn Italian defence.
Spain have stuttered their way into the semis, but this is the type of game that might just suit them. Some of their attacking displays mean that they will carry a threat throughout the game.
The way they have played so far means they have shown the type of tenacity that is usually associated with title winning sides. They surely have the history to draw from and further history to be made. Another European title will make them the most successful side in competition’s history.
Players to watch:
Alvaro Morata, Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo.
Recent Euro Form:
D, D, W, W, W.
PREDICTION
Wembley will be the battle field when these two proud footballing nations meet for a place in the final. Spain have the historical edge winning 13 times compared to Italy’s 11. Remarkably, both sides have scored and conceded 51 times in the process. Italy will be favourites heading into this fight but expect plenty of Spanish endeavour, if they go down, they will go down swinging. On the other hand Spain are battle hardened and could yet prevail to book a return to London for the final.
Prediction: Italy 1-0 Spain.