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Italy and Spain will lock horns in a blockbuster semi-final at the Wembley on Wednesday to decide the first finalist of Euro 2020.
The European powerhouses know each other very well, having clashed four times in the last three editions of the competition, including the famous 2012 final, which La Roja won convincingly. However, both teams have undergone changes since that meeting, with the Azzurri now being touted as heavy favourites to go all the way this year.
Italy are the only team in the competition who have won all their games so far, conceding only two goals, thanks to a stout defence. Meanwhile, Luis Enrique's men have slowly got into their groove, too, netting five times in consecutive games (against Slovakia and Croatia) before seeing off Switzerland in a penalty shootout.
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For Spain, this is their first semi-final appearance at a major tournament since winning the Euros nine years ago. They'll be eager to reach the final again, though it won't be an easy proposition against a rampant Italian side.
Nevertheless, an enticing clash is on the cards. Ahead of this mouth-watering kick-off, let's see how Spain and Italy would stack up in a hypothetical combined XI (in a 4-3-3-formation).
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)
Unai Simon recovered from his disastrous mistake against Croatia with a fine performance in the quarter-final. But his Italian counterpart has been more consistent between the sticks and leads the Athletic Bilbao custodian with three clean sheets to the latter's two.
Still only 22, Donnarumma has a tall and imposing stature that makes it difficult for opponents to beat him. Moreover, his distribution skill and ability to defend crosses are second to none.
He has only been beaten once from open play at Euro 2020 so far, but his goalkeeping nous will be tested severely against a free-scoring Spain side.
Right-back: Cesar Azpilicueta (Spain)
He has not been the most eye-catching player for Spain, but Cesar Azpilicueta remains a key member of Luis Enrique's squad.
His wealth of experience and big-game pedigree will come in handy in a game like this. Azpilicueta was on target against Croatia in the last-16, demonstrating his offensive aerial strength.
Centre-back: Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)
One half of Italy's colossal centre-back partnership, Leonardo Bonucci, hasn't put a foot wrong at Euro 2020 so far.
He is solid in tackling and possesses a good positional sense with equally impressive anticipation. The 34-year-old combines excellent technique and passing range to launch attacks from the back, making him a supreme all-round defender.
Centre-back: Giorgio Chiellini (Italy)
Here's another of Italy's old guards. Chiellini is 36 but is still producing impressive performances for Italy at Euro 2020, complementing his partner Bonucci well.
The Juventus veteran has been a leader of Italy's defence, often seen signalling to his teammates. He has averaged three clearances per game in the competition.
Left-back: Jordi Alba (Spain)
Who says Jordi Alba's best days are behind him? He has been a revelation with Spain at Euro 2020, contributing immensely to their attack with inch-perfect crosses and creating four big chances.
His tireless forward runs have been key to stretching defences wide. Alba also forced an own goal against Switzerland, another testament to how dangerous he can be in offence.
Right Midfielder: Pedri (Spain)
Yes, he plays on the left. But due to competition for places, Spain's Pedri has been moved to the right.
That's because dropping him from the lineup altogether wasn't an option, as the Barcelona starlet has genuinely impressed for Spain at Euro 2020. The 18-year old has demonstrated an incredible understanding of the game whilst being calm and poised in possession.
Only four players have laid more passes than Pedri at Euro 2020 thus far.
Defensive Midfielder: Jorginho (Italy)
Italy's chief orchestrator, Jorginho, has dictated his team's tempo and will be asked to do the same against Spain too.
He has made the sixth-most passes at Euro 2020 thus far and has been excellent in ball-recoveries too. The Chelsea man isn't easily dispossessed, so Spain will have to keep a weather eye on him during the game.
Left Midfielder: Marco Verratti (Italy)
Marco Verratti has been the embodiment of a world-class player. The 28-year-old combines pace and vision to create scoring chances, while his passing accuracy is enviable too.
He has registered a 94% passing success rate so far in the tournament. He's no mug off the ball either, averaging almost four tackles per game and playing a key role in regaining possession.
Right Winger: Ferran Torres (Spain)
Spain's Ferran Torres started his Euro 2020 campaign slowly but has picked up the pace in recent games.
He has come onto his own on the right wing, menacing opposition defences with his high-pressing and aerial prowess. Torres has scored twice and made one assist so far.
The 21-year old is Spain's top scorer under Luis Enrique and will be gunning to add more to his impressive tally against Italy.
Striker: Ciro Immobile (Italy)
Alvaro Morata and Ciro Immobile have both been inconsistent, bagging two goals apiece in the campaign so far. But the Italian star plays a key role in creation and has registered one assist, which is why he gets the nod here.
Even though Immobile hasn't scored after Italy's opening two games, he's dangerous in exploiting spaces and loves chasing down the ball and pressing opponents when Italy are not in possession.
Left Winger: Pablo Sarabia (Spain)
Spain's biggest surprise at the Euros, Pablo Sarabia, has been their main attacking cog, with two goals and as many assists.
No player in the team has made a more direct contribution than Sarabia. The PSG star had a tough outing against Switzerland, so he will look to bounce back against Italy if he's deemed fit for the clash.
