5 reasons why Spain will struggle against Italy | UEFA Nations League semi-final 

#3 Spain's lack of a natural no. 9

Italy v Spain - UEFA Euro 2020: Semi-final

Spain's Alvaro Morata has been sidelined for the game against Italy with a torn muscle and won't be available until the end of October. Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno is also sidelined with an injury and as a result, Spain are without an out-and-out striker.

Neither Morata nor Moreno were at their best at Euro 2020. Both strikers failed to dispatch some great chances in the continental competition. However, Spain benefited greatly from Morata's movement and link-up play in the final third.

Despite dominating Italy for the greater part of the Euro 2020 semi-finals, Spain couldn't muster a win because they weren't clinical in front of goal. Not only have they not been able to address that issue properly, the situation seems to have worsened for Spain in the absence of two of their main marksmen.

Ferran Torres is likely to start as a false 9 against Italy on Wednesday. The 21-year-old is primarily a right winger but has shown that he's capable of leading the line if need be. But it might prove to be too much of an ask from the youngster on such a high-profile occasion whilst playing out of his natural position.

#2 Italy are unbeaten in 37 matches

Italy v England - UEFA Euro 2020: Final

Italy, under Roberto Mancini, have been a force to be reckoned with. The Azzurri last tasted defeat in 2018 against Portugal in the UEFA Nations League. They have since gone 37 matches without conceding defeat.

There is an air of inevitability about this Italian side. They have shown an incredible amount of grit and resolve to grind out results even in the most adversarial conditions in recent times. It is part of the reason why they won Euro 2020.

Italy won both the Euro 2020 semi-final and the final on penalties. They were trailing 1-0 as early as the 2nd minute of the final of the European championship. But they never gave up and forced the issue as England threatened to run away with it.

The unbeaten streak is emblematic of the character of this Italian side. They have the right mix of experience and youthful exuberance and this looks like one of those occasions that they will absolutely relish.

#1 Italy's midfield is well-settled as opposed to Spain's

Jorginho, Marco Verratti and Nicolo Barella of Italy

Spain have some excellent technicians at the center of the park. Sergio Busquets is one of the best holding midfielders of his generation but he has been nowhere near his best in the 2021-22 season thus far. But he is a guaranteed starter thanks to his experience.

Koke is expected to be deployed as one of the central midfielders.17-year-old Barcelona midfielder Gavi is tipped to make his debut and start alongside Koke and Busquets. He is likely be tasked with providing thrust from midfield.

Meanwhile, Italy have all of their main midfielders to rely on. Jorginho, who has been in spectacular form this year, will play at the base of midfield. The extremely talented duo of Marco Verratti and Nicolo Barella are expected to operate on either side of him.

Italy's midfield is much more well-settled than Spain's. La Roja will be forced to look for a new combination whereas Italy will just need to stick to their guns. This could prove to be a major point of difference between the two sides.