Italy plan out of the box for Spain semi-final

European champions tipped to advance to Confederations Cup final.

FORTALEZA: Weakened by injury and chastened by the memory of a crushing loss to the same opponents 12 months ago, Italy have vowed to use their imagination when they meet Spain in today’s Confederations Cup semi-final.

The match at Fortaleza’s Estadio Castelao is a repeat of last year’s Euro 2012 final, when Spain cruised to a 4-0 win to claim an unprecedented third consecutive major international title.

Having swept through the group phase at the Confederations Cup with three consecutive wins, the world and European champions were the favourites to advance to the final even before Italy’s injury problems struck.



Right-back Ignazio Abate and key striker Mario Balotelli have both been ruled out of the tournament, although midfielders Riccardo Montolivo and Andrea Pirlo are both expected to feature against Spain. Experienced Bologna striker Alberto Gilardino is in line to deputise.

In the expectation that Spain will dominate possession as they habitually do, Cesar Prandelli has stated that Italy may have to do ‘something innovative’ tactically.

Italian media reports suggest the former Fiorentina manager will deploy a compact 3-5-2 formation, with an all-Juventus back three of Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli.

The system helped Italy confuse Spain in their opening match at Euro 2012, which ended in a 1-1 draw, and when Prandelli reverted to a four-man defence in the final, his team was swept aside.

“We’ve kept the same style of play and the same players, and so have they, so they’re fairly similar to us in that respect,” said Sergio Ramos. “They have young players and veterans, and they’re extra motivated because they’re out for revenge. At stake is the final of an important competition, and everyone dreams of playing in a final at the Maracana.”

Concerns for Spain 

Spain have concerns over Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Valencia striker Roberto Soldado, both of whom had to go off due to muscle injuries in the 3-0 win over Nigeria on Sunday.

Coach Vicente del Bosque must also decide which of his three goal-keepers is most deserving of his faith, having allowed Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina and Victor Valdes to play a game each during the group phase.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2013.

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