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The second season of the UEFA Nations League has reached its business end. With only four teams remaining in the competition, the stakes are now considerably higher and there is hardly any room for complacency.
In the first semi-final of the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League, we will get to witness the rematch of the memorable Euro 2020 semi-final. Italy and Spain had to be separated by penalty kicks that night, and neither party would look to relive that nerve-wracking experience.
The match at the San Siro Stadium will see Italy welcome Spain for the first time since March 2016. That particular World Cup Qualifier ended in a 1-1 draw. This time, there has to be one clear winner - one team that will become the first finalists of UEFA Nations League 2021.
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Today, we will take a closer look at the high-profile fixture and give you our top five predictions for the match. Now, without further ado, let's get straight to it.
#5 David de Gea to get the nod ahead of Unai Simon
Following his string of horrendous performances at the 2018 World Cup, Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has fallen out of favor in the Spanish national team. Athletic Bilbao custodian Unai Simon has been Spain’s first choice between the sticks for the last couple of years and played every match at Euro 2020.
At just 24 years old, Unai Simon is already a great keeper. However, even he was confronted with some nervy moments during Euro 2020. David de Gea’s return to form at Manchester United is promising for Spain coach Luis Enrique, as it now allows him to rotate more freely.
Giving David de Gea a shot straight into the semi-final might be too big of a gamble, but that has never stopped Enrique before. Don't be surprised to see the Manchester United shot-stopper replace Simon in goal against Italy in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals.
#4 Marco Verratti to outsmart Sergio Busquets in midfield
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has not had the best of luck when it comes to fitness. He has had to deal with niggling injury issues on a regular basis, which has affected his chances of emerging as one of the best in the business.
However, given how out of shape Spain’s midfield is these days, the Italian is unlikely to have trouble bossing the middle. With Pedro, Thiago and Marcos Llorente ruled out, captain Sergio Busquets seems destined to start on Wednesday in the UEFA Nations League.
And considering Busquets’ lackluster form and Verratti’s ever-improving fitness, the Barcelona midfielder is likely to come out second-best in the UEFA Nations League semi-final.
#3 Spain’s list of absentees to make life difficult for Luis Enrique
Spain have not taken the UEFA Nations League lightly. Picking up 11 points from six fixtures, La Roja have topped League A Group 4, forcing Germany to crash out. Unfortunately, in the UEFA Nations League semi-final against European Champions Italy, they will be missing some of their key players.
Euro 2020 sensation Pedri, midfielder Dani Olmo, left-back Jordi Alba, and striker Alvaro Morata are all missing out. Marcos Llorente, who was in the squad before picking up an injury in La Liga, is also set to miss the UEFA Nations League semi-final clash against Italy.
Luis Enrique is usually spot on with his rotations and Spain’s deep bench should give him some encouragement. However, fielding a makeshift XI against an in-form Italian team might turn out to be disastrous.
#2 In-form Moise Kean to lead the Italian front line
Italy sharpshooter Ciro Immobile is an invaluable member of his team. He holds up the ball exceptionally well, knows how to shoot from long range, and is inconspicuously cunning inside the box. Sadly, the Lazio striker will play no part in Italy’s upcoming UEFA Nations League semi-final against Spain.
The forward is currently nursing a thigh injury and will also miss the final if Italy manage to progress. In his place, Roberto Mancini could bring in Moise Kean and add a new dimension to Italy’s game.
As a matter of fact, Kean netted a brace in Italy’s most recent match against Lithuania and will look to extend his scoring streak. The directness in Kean’s attack is refreshing and Spain could have a hard time subduing him.
#1 Italy to book their place in the UEFA Nations League final
The UEFA Nations League was born to give us engaging European fixtures during the international break. On Wednesday, we are getting one of the best matches in world football right now, and it ought to be a stunner.
In their last meeting, in the semi-final of Euro 2020, Italy beat Spain on penalties. In the Nations League, they might not even need to go that far. Spain’s considerable list of absentees and out-of-form stars should encourage Italy to be more adventurous, and we fully expect them to capitalize.
Italy have not tasted defeat in 37 international fixtures, and if all goes to plan, they might be able to book their 38th on Wednesday.
