Italy vs Spain: UEFA Nations League team news and prediction
The UEFA Nations League finals kick off tonight as Italy face Spain in Milan in the first semi-final clash. A repeat of the Euro 2020 semi-final, Italy are seeking to extend their unbeaten run in their pursuit of further international glory.
Ahead of this one, we provide all the pre-match information, including what time this game kicks off, where to watch the action, team news and probable XIs...
When is kick off?
Wednesday 6th October, 19:45 GMT
Where is the match?
San Siro, Milan (Italy)
What TV channel is it on?
Sky Sports Football
Can't remember how these two fared in their respective groups? We can't blame you - the last round of games were in November 2020 after all. Anyway, Italy topped Group 1 having earned 12 points from their six games, pipping the Netherlands to top spot by a point as they won three of their matches. Two of their three draws did come in Italy, so Spain will perhaps fancy their chances of ending Italy's 37-game unbeaten streak.
Spain would love nothing more than a repeat of their last UEFA Nations League game as they romped to a historic 6-0 win over Germany. That victory saw La Roja leapfrog Germany into top spot in the final round of fixtures as they picked up 11 points from their six games. Spain did fail to win any of their three away games in Group 4, but having faced Italy at Euro 2020, and drawn with the eventual champions, that is a better representation of Luis Enrique's side than their form almost a year ago.
Team News
Matteo Pessina has withdrawn from the Italy squad having sustained an injury in Atalanta's 3-2 loss to AC Milan at the weekend and has been replaced by Federico Dimarco. Ciro Immobile has also pulled out of the Azzurri squad and that could see Moise Kean lead the charge for the European champions. Roberto Mancini has a conundrum in midfield with a number of world class options, but it's Lorenzo Pellegrini and Manuel Locatelli who may sit out the meeting with Spain.
Bryan Gil has joined club teammate Sergio Reguilon in the Spain squad following Marcos Llorente's withdrawal. Brais Mendez was called up as a replacement for the injured Pedri, but the former has since returned to Celta Vigo due to injury, with Sergi Roberto taking his place. Uncapped pair Gavi and Yeremi Pino also make the cut, and the former may make his full senior debut in midfield in Italy.
Probable XIs
Italy (433) - Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Chiesa, Kean, Insigne
Spain (433) - Simon; Azpilicueta, Laporte, P. Torres, Reguilon; Koke, Busquets, Gavi; Sarabia, F. Torres, Oyarzabal
Key Battle: Jorginho vs Sergio Busquets
The last time Italy faced Spain, Jorginho was decisive. The Italian scored the winning penalty in their Euro 2020 semi-final shootout win over La Roja and made a tournament-record eight interceptions at Wembley. The 29-year-old's form has dipped somewhat for Chelsea this season, but he still sets the tempo brilliantly for the Azzurri, something he'll be looking to do once more against Spain.
Barcelona have struggled under Ronald Koeman this season and it is surely only a matter of time before the Dutchman is relieved of his duties at Camp Nou. One consistent though has been the selection of Sergio Busquets. He is one of two Barcelona players to have started every league game this season, though his age is beginning to catch up on him. Now 33, opponents find it far easier to play against Busquets, which could prove problematic against Italy tonight.
Score Prediction: Italy 1-1 Spain
