Audio By Carbonatix
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has dropped Fernando Torres and opted to play Cesc Fabregas in the false nine position in their opening match of Euro 2012 against Italy.
Torres, Alvaro Negredo, and Fernando Llorente have all had to settle for a place on the bench as the Roja boss opts to go for a 4-3-3 formation, with David Silva and Andres Iniesta supporting Fabregas from the flanks.
The midfield trio consists of Xavi, Sergio Busquets, and Xabi Alonso, while Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos partner each other in the centre of defence, despite some speculation this week that Athletic Bilbao star Javi Martinez would be employed as a centre back.
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has decided to pack the midfield for the Azzurri tonight, with a 3-5-2 formation likely to squeeze the space in the middle of the park.
Daniele De Rossi has interestingly been selected in the centre of Italy’s back three, with an array of defensive injuries forcing Prandelli’s hand in to selecting the Roma man in a defensive position.
Emanuele Giaccherini is set to be handed his debut for his national side against Spain, while Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli lead the line up front for the 2006 World Cup winners.
Spain (4-3-3): Casillas; Arbeloa, Piqué, Ramos, Alba; Alonso, Busquets, Xavi; Iniesta, Silva, Fábregas
Subs: Valdes, Reina, Albiol, Martinez, Juanfran, Cazorla, Navas, Pedro, Torres, Negredo, Mata, Llorente.
Italy (3-5-2): Buffon; Bonucci, De Rossi, Chiellini; Maggio, Thiago Motta, Pirlo, Marchisio, Giaccherini; Cassano, Balotelli
Subs: Sirigu, De Sanctis, Ogbonna, Balzaretti, Abate, Barzagli, Montolivo, Diamanti, Nocerino, Di Natale, Borini, Giovinco.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
EPA boss encourages journalists not to relent in their support to fight galamsey
27 minutes -
Domestic Gold Purchasing Programme helped Ghana’s economy during difficult period – IMF
29 minutes -
Ike City Group of Companies touches hearts at Dzorwulu Special School with compasionate donation
47 minutes -
Vehicle exhaust pipes on the left create about 40% more pollution on the road than those on the right – Study
57 minutes -
My Response to Dr Bryan Acheampong: Facts must prevail
1 hour -
U.S. and Ghana Armed Forces strengthen medical readiness at SETAF-AF Best Medic Competition
1 hour -
Earlier passage of BoG’s Amendment Bill could have prevented haircuts – Dr. Asiama
2 hours -
Economic stability gains were hard-won through discipline and institutional effort – BoG Governor
2 hours -
GCB Bank rewards customers at first “Pa To Pa” Promo Draw
3 hours -
EC sets March 3 for Ayawaso East by-election
3 hours -
Call for Applications: WikkiTimes launches Anas Aremeyaw Anas AI fellowship
3 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Dreams hold Hearts as Phobians record 8th draw
3 hours -
If you attempt to bribe a police officer now, he will disgrace you; he wants a promotion – IGP Yohuno
3 hours -
Kwabena Adu Koranteng: KGL: Ghana’s most transparent, accountable indigenous corporate brand
3 hours -
This Saturday on Newsfile: NPP presidential primaries, Ofori-Atta, Sedina detention and LGBTQ-tainted manual
3 hours
