Italy face Spain today in Bari, on Wednesday, 10th August, 2011 at
19:45 BST in an international friendly match as warm-up before to
continue disputing the Euro Qualifiers. Cesare Prandelli's side is
poised to host Vicente Del Bosque's team at Stadio Comunale San Nicola
and try to win this match after the last 2-0 win against Ireland a
month ago for the Euro qualifiers. However, the prime objective of The
Azzurri will be to get ready for the matches coming up in September and
October against Faroe Islands, Slovenia, Serbia, and Northern Ireland.
Spain,
meanwhile, haven't lost to Italy since a 1998 friendly while the most
recent match between the two teams saw Spain beat Italy in penalties
following a 0-0 stalemate at Euro 2008. Likewise, Vicente Del Bosque’s
team have recovered his best form after the shocking 4-0 defeat to
Portugal in a friendly in November 2010. La Roja have gotten important
wins over Columbia, Czech Republic, Lithuania, United States and
Venezuela.
Spain suffer the absence of Barcelona's mastermind
Xavi Hernandez, who is injured and also loss the Supercopa against Real
Madrid this Sunday in Madrid. Likewise, Del Bosque’s side also suffer
the absences of Real Madrid full back Sergio Ramos, who is injured, and
Arsenal's midfielder Cesc Fabregas after going the entire summer
without featuring for his club. Italy could hand a start to Manchester
City striker Mario Balotelli as Antonio Cassano has not had a good
pre-season. Villarreal forward Daniele De Rossi is available and willl
likely be since the opening whistle.
Link1 / Link2 / Link3
