Quote from Segun Ite on October 4, 2021, 6:17 PM

Chiesa’s finesse, Morata’s equalizer, Olmo’s blast over the net, Jorginho stepping up to the spot, skip, hop, jump and Italy are into the Euro 2021 finals. Spain have definitely not forgotten how terrible and devastated they felt when they were denied an highly coveted spot in the final back in June. Having been edged out 4-2 on penalties, it made the entire campaign for the Spanish outfit unproductive as they returned home with no medals hanging around their necks.

Now, almost three months later, they come across that same obstacle that ripped their hopes apart in one of the most painful ways ever. With the 2nd edition of the Nations League coming to an end, La Roja and The Blues will lock horns, come Wednesday, in what promises to be a lively, action filled match (full of revenge, maybe). Could Luis Enrique’s men finally get the retribution they want from Azurri? The Spaniards don’t look much different from the squad that played in the prestigious continental competition during the summer. Post-Euro, The Red Fury have played three games, losing one (2-1 to Sweden) and winning two ( 4-0 against Georgia and 2-0 against Kosovo). But will they be handle the heat when they take on world class Italy?

Enrique, having released his 23-man squad list, did just as he did for the Euro finals, by overlooking all compatriots from Spanish powerhouse, Real Madrid. It would be safe to say that the Spanish manager has been a bit bias in his squad choosing as there have been some surprise omissions in the Spanish squad. Fabian Ruiz, Thiago Alcantara, Ander Herrera and many more players have been left out of the camp of Spaniards travelling to Italy. Alvaro Morata, Dani Olmo and Gerardo Moreno have also failed to make the list due to injury woes. This leaves La Roja with a rather sub-standard frontline as Ferran Torres, Pablo Sarabia, Mikel Oyarzabal and Yeremi Pino will be the only forwards in Italy. Not good enough for a team wanting to face Mancini and co, is it?.

Spain have performed wonderfully in the Nations League, topping a group that had Germany, Ukraine and Switzerland in it. This included a 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine, and a 6-0 humbling of four-time World cup champions, Germany. Contrary to such invincible form, Gli Azurri have managed nothing more than two-goal margined wins but have not lost any game throughout the competition in contrast to the one defeat (1-0 against Ukraine) that Spain have suffered. Enrique and co should also bear in mind that Mancini’s side are seemingly unstoppable and invincible right now, enjoying a mind-blowing thirty-seven game unbeaten streak( their last loss was to Portugal in September 2018). Not really the kind of team anyone wants to face. And with the likes of Donarumma, Jorginho, Barella, Chiesa and Immobile in line for Italy, The Red Fury may have to rethink before stirring the hornet’s nest.

Players to watch:
Spain:
Ferran Torres (4 goals)
Italy:
Jorginho (1 goal), Gianluigi Donnarumma, Federico Chiesa