Eufa Euro 2012 finals: Spain vs. Italy

THE stage is set. Spain and Italy will clash for the 2012 European Championship with both teams eyeing a piece of history and glory.

Spain, of course, is the reigning champion and World Cup holder and is trying to win its third straight major title. Italy is trying to revitalize football when it last won the World Cup in 2006.

Both teams play in contrasting manner. Spain is more attack-oriented while Italy relies on its much-vaunted defense. Both teams played to a 1-1 draw in their Group Match and Spain has not conceded a goal since.

Midfield general Andrea Pirlo anchors Italy’s offense and headed upfront by the volatile striker Mario Balotelli who scored two goals in their 2-1 conquest of Germany in the semifinals. Italy’s central midfield is very deep and will give Spain some probles but Xavi Hernandez of Spain must not allow this to happen. With Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas up front for Spain, the trio can cut any defense with their in-depth passing.

Cesare Prendelli and Vicente del Bosque are expecting a slambang finale where both coaches are expecting a victory. Prendelli is concentrating on attack mode which caught England and Germany off-guard but against del Bosque’s Spanish armada of deadly accurate cannons and back four seldom breached, it will be a finesse ending for the 24 outstanding days in Poland and Ukraine.

Today we will be feted again by another world class football and Spain and Italy will make it something to remember. Who will emerge victorious? Italy must upstage Spain in this match to end Spain’s football dominance. But will the Spaniards concede?

Let’s enjoy the moment. (Jun-jun Carballo)