Euro Previews: Spain eye reversal of fortunes against Italy

Spain’s Alvaro Morata (centre) at a training session at the Saint Martin de Re’s Stadium on Sunday, the eve of their Euro Round of 16 match against Italy. (Photo: AFP)

Seeking to win an unprecedented third consecutive European Championship, Vicente del Bosque’s Spain will once again have to see off old foes Italy to retain their crown.

Before winning back-to-back Euros and a maiden World Cup in 2010, Spain suffered an inferiority complex with Italy having never beaten them in five tries at major finals.

A quarter-final clash between the two in Vienna in 2008 changed that. Spain — who had previously suffered a terrible record on penalties — went through in a shootout before going on to win the tournament.

“That is the most important day in the history of the Spanish national team,” said captain Iker Casillas.

After winning the World Cup, Spain had to face Italy twice more in retaining the Euros four years ago.

A 1-1 draw in the opening match was long forgotten as del Bosque’s men thrashed Italy 4-0 in the final.

La Roja then also won another shootout between the two in the Confede-rations Cup semi-finals in 2013. Indeed, the European champions have lost just one of their last 11 meetings with Italy — a 2-1 friendly defeat in 2011.

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been a constant menace to the Azzurri. He scored the winning penalty in 2008, Spain’s equaliser in the 2012 opening game and set up David Silva’s opener in the final. This year, Spain started the tournament in great form, sweeping aside the Czech Republic and Turkey.

However, a shock 2-1 defeat to Croatia in Bordeaux cost del Bosque’s men top spot in Group D and a much easier route to the final. Even if they see off Italy, Spain face having to beat Germany and hosts France for the right to defend their title.