Euro 2012: Final: Spain v Italy match thread

[DuDe]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18355496


EURO 2012: FINAL - Spain v Italy

• Venue: Olympic Stadium, Kiev
• Date: Sunday, 1 July
• Kick-off: 19:45 BST

Coverage: BBC Radio 5 live, highlights on BBC One and BBC Sport website


Spain coach Vicente del Bosque must decide whether to stick with Alvaro Negredo after the striker started thesemi-final win over Portugal.

Cesc Fabregas is favourite to start if Del Bosque opts against selecting an out-and-out forward.

Italy's Ignazio Abate should be fit after missing the semi-final against Germany with a hamstring injury.

Strike duo Antonio Cassano (twisted knee) and Mario Balotelli (cramp in the semi-final) are both expected to start.

Midfielder Daniele De Rossi completed 90 minutes against Germany, and appears to have fully recovered from a sciatic nerve problem.

With Abate missing against Germany, Federico Balzaretti shifted from left-back to right-back. If Balzaretti returns to his regular position, Giorgio Chiellini would move inside to centre-back, with Leonardo Bonucci dropping to the bench.

Napoli wing-back Christian Maggio is back from suspension but is likely to be named on the bench.

 

[Misfit]

Really think Italy could do this. And I hope they do.

 

[ethanedwards]

Really think Italy could do this. And I hope they do.

Would have been interesting to see how they played if Rossi had been fit, but kudos to Prandelli for what he has achieved with that team, he deserves a bit of glory.

 

[tototoner]

hope Italy win it and think they can

There earlier group game was one of the best of the tournament - 1st time in ages I seen a team with so much possession against Spain, hope its a cracker again tonight

Italy 2-1 AET

 

[Misfit]

Would have been interesting to see how they played if Rossi had been fit, but kudos to Prandelli for what he has achieved with that team, he deserves a bit of glory.

Indeed, good point. They've played well, as you say. Much better way of doing things, instead of playing for 3 0-0- draws and getting sent home after the group stages. Prandelli has done an excellent job and they have that quality in the vital areas.

Spain will boss possession as usual. Think Italy will score though.

 

[tototoner]

BBC1 and ITV showing it live, I would guess 90% of people in UK will be watching BBC coverage

 

[ethanedwards]

BBC1 and ITV showing it live, I would guess 90% of people in UK will be watching BBC coverage

Great signing by ITV, Mr Chiles has done wonders for their ratings.

 

[DuDe]

COYI !!

 

[Marty]

BBC1 and ITV showing it live, I would guess 90% of people in UK will be watching BBC coverage

Supposedly the last final had an approximately 4:1 ratio in BBCs favour. Frankly I don't understand why anyone would watch ITV but apparently a couple of million do.

 

[Kingstheman]

I feel an Italy win. Strange as it is, perhaps it is just my waters, but Italy.

But my lottery numbers ended up telling me to turn up at work tomorrow, so...

 

[beats1]

Supposedly the last final had an approximately 4:1 ratio in BBCs favour. Frankly I don't understand why anyone would watch ITV but apparently a couple of million do.

Because ITV seems to get the players names right whereas BBC commentary is shit look at the spain croatia thread, I mean fair enough if the player is relatively unknown but calling silva, Villa is just stupid

 

[Misfit]

Forza Azzurri and so and so forth.

 

[CosmicHotspur]

I still think Spain will win but I also think it will be very close and could go to extra time.

 

[nightgoat]

No strikers for Spain (again).

Forza Azzurri!

 

[SlickMongoose]

Only the 6 midfielders? Again?

i'm sure they could fit another couple in.

 

[Armstrong_11]

i can never understand this kind of choreograph dancing.

was that ballotelli taking the overhead kick? lol!!!

*sigh* get to the kick off already! oh i mean the countdown to kick off.

 

[Welshiespursboyo]

Hope this is a good game

 

[DuDe]

Good to see Italy trying to get stuck in.

 

[nightgoat]

An early Italy goal would go down very well.

 

[nightgoat]

4-3-3 my arse. No one in the box for that cross.