Best possible starting XI for Italy against Spain | UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final 

UEFA Euro 2020 has reached the semi-final stage and things are getting really exciting. Over the last couple of weeks, football fans have witnessed some crazy games and there is much more to come.

While all four remaining teams have a clear shot at European glory, but one clearly stands out. Italy are the only team to have won all their matches so far at UEFA Euro 2020 and are on a historic unbeaten streak under Roberto Mancini at the moment.

Following their amazing win over Belgium in the quarter-finals, the Azzurri will face Spain at the Wembley Stadium in the first semi-final of UEFA EURO 2020. Italy has only beaten Spain twice in their last 14 meetings in all competitions but they go in as favorites against an unpredictable Spanish side.

La Roja is the top-scoring team at UEFA EURO 2020 but they haven't been at their very best. Luis Enrique's side needed extra-time to defeat Croatia and penalties to overcome Switzerland, meaning fatigue could come into play for Spain in this all-important clash.

Keeping all that in mind, let us take a look at the best possible starting XI for Italy against Spain.

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma

Donnarumma in action for Italy - UEFA Euro 2020: Quarter-final.

It has been an amazing Euro campaign for the young Gianluigi Donnarumma. With three clean sheets in three games in the group stages and massive performances against Austria and Belgium, the 22-year-old has been one of the best players in the tournament.

Donnarumma's start as the second-youngest goalkeeper in Italian football history is known to all and he has grown into one of the best goalkeepers in the game right now. His imposing physical size, shot-stopping ability, and positional awareness make him very tough to beat. If Italy are to go all the way this summer, Donnarumma will have a big part to play.

Defenders: Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson

Italy's solid defense is a big reason for their success at UEFA EURO 2020

We assume the right-back position for Italy in this game will be occupied by Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Concrete news about Florenzi's injury status is yet to surface, but there are rumors of him being fit for the clash. A Euro semi-final is a significant clash and Mancini might not want to bench Di Lorenzo, who has been playing some good football in the absence of Florenzi.

Playing as a right-sided centre-back, we have Leonardo Bonucci. The 34-year-old is one of the most experienced Italian footballers around. He is known for his technique, passing range, and ability to launch an attack from the back with long passes. Bonucci is not only a solid defender but also a leader of the pack.

Giorgio Chiellini joins Bonucci to form a solid and experienced centre-back pair. With over 215 international caps between them, they form one of the most respected duos in the football world. Chiellini missed Italy's Group A clash against Wales and their last-16 tie against Austria due to a thigh injury but was back for the Belgium game and performed like a one-man wall.

Spinazzola suffered an injury during the UEFA EURO 2020 quarter-finals

There will be one forced change in that Italian back-line. Leonardo Spinazzola suffered a tournament-ending Achilles injury and was in tears as he was being stretched off during the UEFA EURO 2020 quarter-final. Chelsea full-back and Champions League winner Emerson Palmieri is poised to replace him. While this was a significant blow to Italy's chances, Emerson is a talented defender and Italy have a back-up for their game against Spain.

Midfielders: Barella, Jorginho, Verratti

Jorginho is at the heart of this Italian eleven

The right-sided midfielder in the three-man midfield is Nicolo Barella. Italy have earned praise for their solid and resolute midfield in this tournament and Barella is a key component of it. The playmaker from Inter has been outstanding at UEFA Euro 2020 and was involved in both the goals against Belgium in the last round.

In the middle of the park is Jorginho who is the orchestrator of this Italian side. Often criticized for his gameplay and mistakes, Jorginho has been at the top of his game in 2021. Not only does he keep the ball moving and keep his team in control, but his defensive work rate has been sensational as well. Jorginho is the key to Italy’s domination on the ball and how they control the tempo of the game.

The final piece which completes that terrific midfield is Marco Veratti. He is a relentless worker and a dream midfielder to have for any manager. His work rate off the ball is staggering and the constant will to win the ball back makes him stand out in that midfield. The PSG midfielder, with his sublime passing skills, often drops back to distribute the ball as well.

Midfield battles win you games and there are very few who can match this Italian midfield. It is a mixture of talent and hard work in the middle of the work and Mancini has the three central men drilled for every situation.

Forwards: Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne

Insigne scored a beauty against Belgium

Federico Chiesa started over Domenico Berardi on the right side of the Italian attack against Belgium, and Mancini will look to keep the same formation in the semis. Chiesa scored an important goal in the round of 16 against Austria but has only been awarded two starts in this Euro campaign. He has great pace and Mancini will look to use that considering how attack-minded Jordi Alba is.

Ciro Immobile will start the game as the main striker for Italy. It has been a hit-and-miss campaign for the 31-year old. He started the tournament strongly and registered a goal and an assist to his name. He missed some golden chances against Switzerland but ultimately got his goal late in the game. Since then, he has started two games but hasn't contributed much to the attack. Italian fans will be hoping to see him regain form in the semi-finals.

Lorenzo Insigne will take the final spot in the team. The winger has been one of the most promising players in the team for a while now and is really showcasing his talent at Euro 2020. Insigne is deployed on the left-flank by Mancini and he often tries to cut inside and curl shots at the goal with his dominant right foot. His strike against Belgium was a classic example of his trademark move. The 30-year old is always involved in the Italian attacks and has scored 2 goals in this competition. till now.

Final Team: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne