(Football news) After their triumph earlier this year, European champions Italy take on Spain in the Nations League semi final. The last time these two teams met was in the Euro semi finals where Italy won on penalties.
Squads:
Italy
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alex Meret, Salvatore Sirigu
Defenders: Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Emerson Palmieri, Rafael Toloi, Federico Dimarco
Midfielders: Nicolo Barella, Bryan Cristante, Jorginho, Manuel Locatelli, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Marco Verratti
Forwards: Domenico Berardi, Federico Bernardeschi, Federico Chiesa, Moise Kean, Lorenzo Insigne, Giacomo Raspadori
Ciro Immobile and Matteo Pessina were named in the initial squad but had to withdraw due to injury. The pair was replaced by Moise Kean and Federico Dimarco
Also read: Does Casemiro fit into Carlo Ancelotti's midfield plans for Real Madrid?
Spain
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David de Gea, Robert Sanchez.
Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta, Pedro Porro, Eric Garcia, Pau Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Sergio Reguilon, Marcos Alonso.
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Rodri Hernandez, Pedri, Mikel Merino, Koke, Gavi, Bryan Gill, Pablo Fornals.
Forwards: Ferran Torres, Pablo Sarabia, Mikel Oyarzabal, Yeremi Pino.
Luis Enrique once again did not name a single Real Madrid player in the squad. Eric Garcia and Pablo Sarabia are in the squad despite poor performances this season. Barcelona youngster Gavi earned a surprise maiden call up. Brahim Diaz and Marco Asensio's good start to the season wasn't enough to convince the manager. Sergio Ramos is yet to feature this season due to injury and it'll be interesting to see if the 35 year old ever plays for Spain.
Italy haven't lost any of their last 37 games. Roberto Mancini's side are in red hot form at the moment. Spain on the other hand had a good Euros with a young squad that exceeded the expectations but it is tough to see Italy lose the game. Having said that, Italy did needed penalties to beat Spain the last time. The winner of the game will face either France or Belgium in the finals while the loser will play the 3rd place match.
