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Two of Europe's footballing powerhouses, Italy and Spain, will battle to book a berth in the final of Euro 2020 on Tuesday.
After looking like they were on a downward spiral for years, Italy seems to have recovered. With a group of incredibly talented individuals, the Azzurri have been one of the best teams at Euro 2020.
On the other hand, Spain have scraped through to the semi-finals. They have played some good football but they have not been nearly as clinical as the Spanish sides that dominated the world a decade ago.
Italy and Spain have some of the best technicians at Euro 2020
But it's a high-profile encounter nevertheless and both teams feature some of the most talented footballers on the planet. As such, there will be several key battles being played out on the pitch.
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Without further ado, let's take a look at five players to watch out for as Italy and Spain clash in the Euro 2020 semi-final.
#5 Jorginho (Italy)
It has been an incredible summer for Jorginho. After winning the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea, Jorginho is a man on a mission to silence his critics once and for all. He has been Italy's beating heart at Euro 2020 and has come out stronger against some formidable adversaries.
Jorginho has produced some masterful performances from midfield and has been a force to be reckoned with. The 30-year-old has made 29 ball recoveries and created six chances at Euro 2020 so far. His pass accuracy stands at a staggering 95.2%.
Jorginho has created a platform for those around him to play with freedom and express themselves. He will once again be key to Italy's chances.
#4 Pedri (Spain)
Pedri has worked tirelessly for Spain at Euro 2020 and the 18-year-old is one of the most talented teenagers in the world. His deft touches and ability to keep things moving in midfield thanks to his precise passing have been important to Spain.
Pedri has covered 61.5 kilometres in total at Euro 2020. No other player has covered more ground than him in the competition. His work ethic and technical finesse have been crucial to Spain this summer. But the Barcelona man will have his work cut out against an incredibly talented Italian midfield unit.
Pedri will play a decisive role in midfield for La Roja. He just needs to produce that final ball and then people will have no problem recognizing him as a phenomenal footballer.
#3 Nicolo Barella (Italy)
The Inter Milan midfielder was one of Italy's best players in the game against Belgium. Barella showcased his quick feet and striking ability to put the Azzurri ahead after latching onto a stray ball inside the area.
He was able to impose himself in midfield and came out on top against some high-profile opponents. The 24-year-old will be crucial to Italy's chances against a formidable Spanish midfield unit.
Spain have a tireless worker in Pedri but he will meet his match in Barella. He was rather quiet in the game against Austria but he has confirmed his place in the starting lineup after a brilliant outing against Belgium.
#2 Ferran Torres (Spain)
Ferran Torres has been a lively presence for Spain down the right flank. With Leonardo Spinazzola sidelined for the rest of the tournament, Torres could prove to be a real problem for the Italians.
The 21-year-old has shown glimpses of brilliance with his dribbling and movement. His final product has been lacking but the Manchester City man looks like a player who is settling into his groove.
He was excellent in Spain's Round of 16 tie against Croatia. He scored against Croatia with a brilliant finish and also provided an assist as well. Torres is very direct with his approach and keeps making runs in behind the defence. If he can play like he did against Croatia, Italy will have a real problem on their hands.
#1 Lorenzo Insigne (Italy)
Lorenzo Insigne has been sensational at Euro 2020 so far. His skills and work ethic have caused headaches to all of Italy's opponents so far. Insigne is always looking to create and has used his signature curlers to great effect so far.
The Napoli forward is Italy's focal point in attack and though he will miss linking up with Spinazzola, Insigne will look to impose himself down the left flank. Cesar Azpilicueta will have his work cut out against the in-form Insigne and will do well to keep him in check over the course of the game.
His brilliant goal against Belgium ought to serve as a warning to the Spanish backline. They will need to make sure that Insigne is not allowed enough space to run into and get a shot away as it could prove to be deadly as it did against Belgium.
