Spain-Italy official line-ups: predicting goalscorers, cautions and shooters for the second Nations League semi-final. The latest tips.
After yesterday’s spectacular Netherlands-Croatia, the curtain is also lifted on Spain-Italy: a never-to-be-missed fixture which this time puts access to the Nations League finals up for grabs. It is a remake of the challenge staged two years ago, when the ‘Red Furies’ managed to impose themselves in Milan against the Azzurri, only to be beaten by Mbappé’s France. There were some rather important formation doubts from the eve of the match: here are the choices of the two coaches:
- SPAIN (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Navas, Le Normand, Laporte, Alba; Rodri, Merino; Rodrigo, Gavi, Yeremi; Morata.
- ITALY (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Toloi, Bonucci, Acerbi; Di Lorenzo, Barella, Jorginho, Frattesi, Spinazzola; Immobile, Zaniolo.
Spain-Italy, goalscorers prediction
On several occasions Morata has put in strong performances with Italy. The Atletico Madrid striker, who played in Serie A for several years and could return there soon, knows the movements of Italian defenders quite well and knows how to punish them. Not failing to follow a long-established idea of football, it will be the ‘Red Furies’ who will play the game, channelling it into the most congenial tracks to exploit their characteristics. The feeling is that Morata will be able to score at least one goal without too many worries.
Spain-Italy, likely cautions and marksmen
Rodri and Gavi marksmen represent options not to be overlooked, but watch out for surprises. To the sound of important tests, in fact, Frattesi has managed to attract the attentions of several Serie A big names. The opportunity to put himself in the shop window is an important one, and the insertions of the Sassuolo midfielder could represent an important outlet for Mancini’s national team, which will have to make a virtue of necessity and try to capitalise on any opportunities that arise.
Barella is also liked, and not a little, as a possible marksman. As for possible cautions, watch out for Toloi and Zaniolo, who for different reasons could run into a yellow card. The Atalanta defender will have to fend for himself in order to contain the Iberians’ flurries, while Mancini’s striker could get caught up in the grip of Spain’s defenders and fall into the trap of their provocations. Also tantalising is the possible cautioning of Jordi Alba, who is no longer as toned and proactive as he was a few years ago.