Italy vs Spain: 5 key battles | UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final

#3 Marco Verratti (Italy) vs Pedri (Spain)

Marco Verratti (right)

Both Italy and Spain have great strength in the middle of the park. A healthy mix of experience and youth has ensured that the gameplay for both teams at Euro 2020 has been seamless.

Italy missed Marco Verratti in their tournament opener, but the PSG man has been a pivotal force for the Azzurri in midfield. His vision and passing prowess have helped him rack up two assists to his name already.

Verratti also draws a lot of fouls from opponents, especially in the attacking third. As has been seen in the competition thus far, set-pieces could make a difference in the outcome of this game as well.

21 – Marco Verratti (#ITA) in the first half v Belgium:21 passes successful in the final third (23 attempted, more than any other player)6 duels won (highest tally in the game)2 chances created (1 assist)Concerto. #BELITA #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/QrNTAbD36g

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) July 2, 2021

To counter Verratti, Spain have Pedri in their ranks, a player who has been a revelation at the competition. His unfortunate own goal aside, the 18-year-old has been a consistent performer for Luis Enrique at Euro 2020.

The Barcelona midfielder has covered more ground (61.5 km) than anyone else at Euro 2020. It is this tenacity that could be key against Italy in the semi-final, where fatigue could be a factor for both teams.

---

#2 Leonardo Bonucci (Italy) vs Alvaro Morata (Spain)

Alvaro Morata (right)

Spain and Italy have both been unbeaten so far in Euro 2020. But unfortunately, one of them will exit the tournament on Tuesday.

One of the main reasons for Italy's rock-solid defence, which has shipped in just two goals, has been the presence of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonnuci in all five games so far. He has been tremendous at the heart of Italy's defence, alongside veteran Giorgio Chiellini.

While the two have put in great tackles and maintained Italy's solidarity at the back, they will be up against the top-scoring team of Euro 2020 on Tuesday. Alvaro Morata is the usual suspect when it comes to players who could be on the scoresheet in this semi-final clash.

Silencing the doubters. Take a bow Alvaro Morata ✨ pic.twitter.com/wPECnqANfG

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 28, 2021

Morata has been at the receiving end of some harsh treatment by Spain fans but has scored two crucial goals for his team at Euro 2020. He has also averaged three shots on goal per game and is a player Italy will need to keep their eye on.

---

#1 Jorginho (Italy) vs Sergio Busquets (Spain)

Sergio Busquets has been a key player for Spain at Euro 2020.

The best matchup when Italy and Spain clash on Tuesday will likely be the one between the two teams' midfield maestros, Jorginho and Sergio Busquets. The two central midfielders have been the heartbeats of their respective teams, so their performance in the semi-final could decide the outcome of the game.

Jorginho has been brilliant with his ball distribution and has also helped in breaking opposition plays, making 2.6 interceptions a game. With a pass accuracy of 94%, he controls the midfield for Italy.

Busquets, meanwhile, is a calming presence at the centre of the pitch for Spain. It is no wonder why Spain dropped points in the opening two games of the competition, as Busquets was absent.

He has rolled back the years with sublime performances against Slovakia, and his vertical passes have helped create a lot of chances for Spain.

Usually, the forwards hold the key to success in crucial knockout games. But the tactical awareness and ball-playing skills of the two seasoned midfielders should make for a pretty interesting watch.

---