It's going to be a re-match of the Euro 2012 final...except in this case, it will be during the UEFA Euro 2016 round of 16. Certainly, both fans and neutrals would have wanted to see Italy vs. Spain at a later date, but unfortunately at the end of 90 - or more minutes - of action, one of these highly decorated sides will be saying either arrivederci or adios to this tournament.
Who will it be?
Italy
Without the services of key midfielders Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti due to injury, as well as Andrea Pirlo due to Antonio Conte's snub, many viewed this Azzurri side as much weaker than in past tournaments. However, as we have seen time and time again, never rule out Italy. They made a roaring start to Euro 2016 as they soundly defeated no. 2 ranked Belgium in their opener, followed by downing Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Sweden with a late goal.
Despite a drastic dip in performance against the Scandinavians, this was enough for them to head into the round of 16 as group winners. And although they slipped up by losing to Ireland - their first since June 1994 - it nonetheless had no impact on their group standing. Despite not boasting individual stars like other sides, Italy have done well thus far as a collective.
Certainly, their attack, whilst industrious may not set the pitch alight. But their defense, led by Juventus trio Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, and Andrea Barzagli, coupled with the evergreen Gianluigi Buffon between the posts is among the strongest in the business.
Conte certainly would have wanted to face Spain much later on, but Croatia spoiled those plans by edging out La Furia Roja after playing arguably their best game at this tournament so far.
A picture is truly worth a thousand words: Conte was not shy about expressing his emotions, but is this pained expression because Italy conceded to Ireland...or more likely because Croatia's win means that the Azzurri have to take on Spain next?
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Fortunately for the ex-Juventus boss, he will have pretty much everyone available for this crunch clash. Antonio Candreva is the only likely absentee, as the Lazio man is suffering from a hamstring problem. Buffon, who missed out on their last match due to illness, will again resume his spot between the posts. And having rotated his squad against Ireland - which did not pan out as planned - Conte will naturally recall his strongest players into the starting XI for Monday's match.
Spain
Just as Conte was hoping to take on Spain at a later juncture, Vicente Del Bosque is definitely thinking the same thing. Had La Furia Roja not given up a late, late goal to concede top spot to Croatia, they would have faced Portugal in the round 16. Instead, they will now take on familiar foe Italy, which will represent a formidable opponent as they chase an unprecedented third straight Euro title.
Although losing top spot will certainly leave a sour taste in Spain's mouths, they will need to regroup quickly. Italy will be determined for exacting revenge after their 4-0 humiliating defeat in the Euro 2012 final and that will obviously be an extra motivating factor for ending their long and frustrating competitive record against the three-time Euro champions.
Del Bosque has no injury nor suspension concerns to trouble him ahead of this game, so he will again be able to rely on the same starting XI he has used in every single one of Spain's group stage games so far.
David De Gea had a miserable game against the Croatians but will nonetheless retain his spot as Spain's no. 1 shot-stopper for this match
Naturally, having lost their last games, both Spain and Italy will be looking to get back on track. Will Spain continue their good competitive record against the Italians as they hope to make it a fourth Euro title this July? Or will the Azzurri send La Furia Roja packing after the first knockout rounds?
Which channel is broadcasting Italy vs Spain on TV or Online?
Not able to make it to the Stade de France? No problem. LiveSoccerTV.com has put together options to tune in via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are all the choices for fans residing elsewhere in France and in the following countries:
- In the USA at 12.00 EST on: ESPN2, ESPN3 USA, SiriusXM FC,WatchESPN, ESPN Deportes TV, ESPN Deportes Radio
- In Italy at 18.00 CET on: Sky Supercalcio HD, RAI Uno, Sky Sport 1 HD Italia, RSI La 2, SKY Go Italia
- In Spain at 18.00 CET on: MiTele En Vivo, TeleCinco Espana
- In France at 18.00 CET on: beIN Sports 1, beIN Sports 2, beIN SPORTS CONNECT France
- In the UK at 17.00 BST on: TalkSport Radio UK, BBC iPlayer, BBC One UK, BBC Radio 5 Live
- In Canada at 12.00 ET on: RDS, TSN1, TSN4, TSN5, TSN3, TSN Radio 1040 | 1410 Vancouver
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Italy vs Spain broadcast page for viewing times and options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Italy vs Spain - Facts and Stats
- This will be the 35th meeting for Italy and Spain. The Azzurri have won 10, La Furia Roja 10, and the other 14 have finished as draws
- Spain have defeated Italy in their past two Euro knockout meetings (2008 and 2012)
- Italy have not beaten Spain in a competitive fixture since the 1994 World Cup
- Italy have the most cautions of any side in the round of 16...with a whopping 10 yellow cards so far...
- ...by contrast, Spain have been the most disciplined side, having earned just one yellow
- Spain's loss to Croatia was their first Euro loss since 2004, and the first time they had conceded goals in seven Euro games
- Italy have used a whopping 22 players so far - which is the most of any team at Euro 2016...
- ...whilst Spain are just one of two sides (Iceland being the other) who have used the same starting XI for every single game so far
- Buffon has made 15 Euro appearances - this is the most of any Italian player in their footballing history
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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