In a rematch of the previous European Championship’s Final, Group E winners Italy lock horns with the might of Spain, as a place in the quarter-finals awaits the triumphant nation.
Both with two wins and one loss apiece during the group stages, the matchup between Italy and Spain is arguably the most tantalising one of the Euro 2016 Round of 16 phase.
Antonio Conte’s side defied the odds to overcome Belgium in their opening clash, then required a late Éder strike to seal victory over Sweden before going down 1-0 to the Republic of Ireland, albeit fielding a reserve side for that encounter. Whilst the performances against the Swedes and the Irish were extremely underwhelming for those following the Azzurri, the 2-0 defeat of Belgium confirmed Italy’s credentials at the tournament and, despite possessing the weakest squad the nation has assembled for quite some time, showcased their ability to go far in France.
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La Roja, meanwhile, were placed into a slightly easier group alongside Croatia, Turkey and Czech Republic. A late Gerard Piqué header saw off the Czechs, whilst Turkey were put to the sword in a 3-0 demolition. The final match against eventual group winners Croatia displayed Vicente del Bosque’s side’s vulnerability to counter attacks, going down 2-1 in one of the matches of the tournament.
All throughout the group stages, the Italians were praised for their defensive solidity and resoluteness. The performance against the Red Devils, in particular, was a highlight of their tournament, as an Azzurri back-three consisting of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini repelled the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard with ease. The manner in which they contained Zlatan Ibrahimovic and co. in their following clash is also worthy of mention.
The Spaniards, on the other hand, have moved the ball about with pace and efficiency during their opening three games. The style with which the current European champions play is a joy to watch, and they have displayed some of the most entertaining, free flowing football in France thus far. Their dominant display against Turkey is testament to such commanding possession-based performances.
So what is more likely to win out in this encounter – defence or attack?
An all-Juventus back four (including goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon) has performed to its usual high standards at Euro 2016, conceding just once during the tournament – a game where two of the back-four did not feature. The Azzurri’s defence is as difficult to puncture as ever and, despite lacking quality in other areas of the pitch, they are capable of posing a significant threat on the counter attack or from long balls over the top, with prime evidence of this being showcased against Marc Wilmots’s side.
Prior to the loss to Martin O’Neill’s men, Italy were on a run of four matches unbeaten, all of which they had not conceded a goal in. Throughout the three games the Azzurri have played during the tournament, they have allowed just seven shots on target. Both on the ground and in the air, the Italians are more than well equipped to deal with whatever is hurled towards them. Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini are all complete, accomplished defenders, proficient in the tackle, in aerial duels and in reading the game.
The aforementioned all-Juve back-four has been brilliantly supported by Daniele De Rossi in the anchoring role as well as by the two wing-backs. All together, they make a formidable defensive unit renowned for blanketing opponents and halting attacks, then launching forays forward of their own at pace. They are very much a workman-like team, boasting the highest total of metres run in the group stages with 337,179, and the “defend with our lives” mentality is very much apparent in the side and undoubtedly a key feature of the success Conte’s men have attained at this stage so far in France.
Del Bosque’s men, however, enjoy superiority over the Italians in recent meetings, the key one being the 4-0 victory in the final of Euro 2012, where their quick passing and movement simply tore the Italians apart. Although around that time was when tiki-taka had peaked in the Spanish national side, it is still evident today to a certain extent in their style of play and amongst the players.
During the group stages, La Roja enjoyed the second highest amount of possession per 90 minutes, averaging 61% alongside Portugal, with Germany the only nation to edge them out on 66%. It is not possession without purpose either. Spain have scored five times from 50 shots, equating to a goal every 10 shots and were tied second highest goal-scorers in the group stages alongside Croatia.
Andrés Iniesta has been at the heart of all things good going forward for the current European champions, starring in both of his side’s winning games against the Czech Republic and Turkey. His side enjoyed the highest passing success rate of the prior to the knockout phase with 93%. Del Bosque’s men made a total of 2,023 passes during the opening trio of matches, with an impressive 1,876 of these being completed. Italy, by comparison, made a total of just 1,239 passes, with 1,019 of these being completed.
In saying this, though, that is Italy’s game; to soak up pressure and let nothing through, then hit on the break, and they do this to great effect. Whether or not Spain can puncture this impervious barrier that is the Italian national side’s defence will become apparent very soon, as the two nations set to lock horns at the Stade de France on Monday.
Will the Azzurri contain the likes of Iniesta, Cesc Fàbregas and David Silva? Or will La Roja become frustrated and undone by a steadfast and experienced Italian defence?
It will be a tight and cagey affair, with the matter possibly being settled in extra-time or via a penalty-shootout, though Italy do have what it takes to quell the Spanish threat and somewhat make up for their Euro 2012 Final loss four years ago.
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