Spain and Italy poised for EURO rematch

 

The second semi-final of the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 is an all-European affair, with reigning world champions Spain taking on Italy, the runners-up at UEFA EURO 2012. The match is a re-run of last year's continental final, which ended in victory for La Roja.

The game
Spain-Italy, Fortaleza, Thursday 27 June, 16:00 (local time)

The stakes

Spain have had a faultless run to the semis, winning all three of their games in Group B with style and efficiency. Italy, by contrast, are in the last four as Group A runners-up, having finished with a 4-2 defeat by Brazil. Gli Azzuri will be pleased to have reached the knockout stage, but they will no doubt be concerned by their defence, which has let in eight goals in three games.

The Italians also have several injury concerns going into their semi-final. Mario Ballotelli and Ignazio Abate have been ruled out of the rest of the tournament, while Riccardo Montolivo and Andrea Pirlo are both doubts for the clash with Spain.

The two sides have met 31 times to date, resulting in 12 draws, nine wins for Spain and ten victories for Italy. The last time Gli Azzurri beat La Roja was in August 2011, when they claimed a 2-1 victory in an international friendly.

The most recent encounter between Spain and Italy, however, is still fresh in the memory. On 1 July 2012, the pair squared off in the final of UEFA EURO 2012, having earlier drawn 1-1 in the group stage. La Roja made light work of the Italians on that occasion, winning 4-0 with goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata.

The stat

15 – The number of goals Spain scored in their three group matches at Brazil 2013, an average of five per game. La Roja have been the most prolific side at the tournament but also the meanest in defence, having conceded just once so far.

The words

"This semi-final is a chance for Italy to take revenge. They'll be a very difficult team to beat, but we want to keep moving forward and reach the final," Vicente Del Bosque, Spain coach.

"We've got to start conceding fewer goals. A team of our talent and skill level shouldn't be making defensive errors like these," Gianluigi Buffon, Italy goalkeeper.