Breaking Down How Spain Can Topple Well-Drilled Italy in Euro 2016 Clash

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 25, 2016

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Vicente del Bosque was prepared to admit it. It was late on Tuesday evening in Bordeaux, and after a shock loss to a weakened Croatia, his Spain outfit had just been sent to the daunting side of the Euro 2016 draw that would start with an undesirable round-of-16 clash with Italy on Monday. 

"We are not on the path we wanted to be, but we have to rise to the situation," said La Roja's frustrated and downbeat manager in his post-match press conference.

Translation: We didn't want Italy, not this early and not like this. 

For Spain, the thought of a blown opportunity will have gripped them in recent days, particularly given what they now face. They'd been staring at the most gentle of runs to the tournament's final, but 13 seconds changed everything—not just for them but for almost everyone, Italy included. 

Indeed, though Spain didn't want Italy, it's also true that Italy didn't want Spain. Topping one's group is normally rewarded with a more favourable opening clash in the knockout rounds, but for their efforts, Antonio Conte's men have been handed the defending champions. 

"Italy are probably also concerned because they have to face us," noted Juanfran at a pre-match press conference this week.

This looms as an intriguing clash, then. Spain remain capable of the breathtaking but don't carry the supremacy they once did; Italy are functional and well-drilled but not exactly imposing. In essence, it's a meeting between two giants who've slipped a little from their peaks, but Spain will be wary of the Italians' tournament knowhow. 

After all, few countries so regularly demonstrate an ability to grind through and navigate an event such as this. Under Conte, Italy are well set up despite their lack of star quality, and thus, this will be a gruelling tactical affair for Spain to get through. 

Here, we examine Italy's strengths and how Spain ca...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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