Live Stream International Friendly: Italy vs Spain
11:15 AM
Joni Blakblakan
, Posted in
The 2006 World Cup winners host the 2010 champions in a mouth-watering clash in Bari on Wednesday. August 10, 2011 7:45 PM BST.
Buffon; Maggio, Ranocchia, Chiellini, Criscito; Montolivo, De Rossi, Pirlo; Aquilani; Cassano, Rossi
>>Italy coach Cesare Prandelli looks set to name a strong line-up for Wednesday's prestigious friendly against World Champions Spain in Bari. Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who looks certain to leave Anfield this month on a permanent deal, should play in an advanced role behind strikers Antonio Cassano and Giuseppe Rossi, with Andrea Pirlo and Riccardo Montolivo pulling the strings in midfield.
Spain (4-3-3)
Casillas; Iraola, Pique, Albiol, Arbeloa; Thiago, Xabi Alonso, Busquets; Iniesta, Torres, Villa
>>Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is without talisman Xavi, who pulled out of the squad earlier this week, and centre-back Carles Puyol, who is still working his way back from a knee injury. Del Bosque could therefore hand a debut to another Barcelona player, Thiago, who has looked impressive in pre-season. Recent Malaga signing Santi Cazorla is another option in that role. Meanwhile, Real Madrid's Raul Albiol is set to take Puyol's place in what remains a strong side.
>>Spain have called up Barcelona midfielder Thiago, who has been on fire in pre-season. Thiago is eligible to play for Brazil through his parentage and also Italy, where he was born. The 20-year-old now looks set to make his Spain debut, however, in the city of his birth - Bari.
For You Know;
>>With five wins and a draw so far, Italy are currently five points clear in their qualifying group for Euro 2012. Slovenia are second.
>>Spain have called up Barcelona midfielder Thiago, who has been on fire in pre-season. Thiago is eligible to play for Brazil through his parentage and also Italy, where he was born. The 20-year-old now looks set to make his Spain debut, however, in the city of his birth - Bari.
