After their defeat the hands of the Irish, Italy now faces Spain in the last stages of the knockout ‘Round of 16’ at the Euro 2016 in Paris.
This will be the 35th encounter between the two sides and the record is perfectly balanced with 10 wins each and 14 draws.
Italy have been dealt a major blow with influential midfielder Antonio Candreva ruled out due to a groin injury. Eight players were rested for the final group game but Giorgio Chiellini will undoubtedly return.
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque used the same starting line-up in the first three matches and expect more of the same.
Spain have eliminated Italy in their two previous encounters in the knockout stages of the EURO: 0-0 (4-2 after penalties) in 2008; 4-0 in the 2012 final.
Italy’s last victory against Spain in a major tournament was in the quarter-finals of the 1994 World Cup (2-1 thanks to goals from Dino and Roberto Baggio).
Predicted Line up:
Italy: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Darmian, Parolo, De Rossi, Giaccherini, Florenzi; Pelle, Eder.
Spain: De Gea; Juanfran, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Busquets; Silva, Fabregas, Iniesta, Nolito;Morata.
