Build up to the match
The Estadio Santiago Bernabeu will once again host a top-shelf match come Saturday, as the two of the biggest national teams in Europe face off against each other to grab qualification to football’s biggest tournament, the World Cup. Spain and Italy are currently leading in Group G of the European Qualifiers with 16 points after 6 games, the Azzurri just behind La Roja on goal difference. This game could be the difference between automatic qualification and the play-offs. Indeed, fireworks will be expected in this game.
Match Information
Kickoff: Saturday, 2 September 2017, 07:45PM England time
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
Team News
Chelsea sharpshooter Alvaro Morata will be expected to lead La Roja up front, with Pedro and David Silva shortly behind him in support – providing a powerful three-pronged attack that may well have enough to bash their way through Italy’s iron-clad defence. Expect Spain’s Andres Iniesta to dictate play from midfield with his silky footwork and intelligent passing.
Four-time World Cup champions Italy will definitely be disappointed to miss veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini through injury and will have to rely on Leonardo Bonucci to keep things safe and secure at the back. Wonderkid Marco Verratti, meanwhile, will definitely play a high influence in the middle of the park with his intelligent plays.
Form
Spain
W-W-W-W-D
If you want to know when Spain were last defeated in a World Cup qualifying match, you’d have to go back as far as 1993, when they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Denmark. This shows just how strong Spain are and will definitely be favourites to win the game in their own backyard come Saturday, even if they are to face the formidable Italy.
Italy
W-W-W-W-D
Just as massive a team as Spain, The Azzurri are unbeaten in their last 33 matches in World Cup qualifying, winning 23 of those games. The Blues definitely have a chance coming into this game and have the ability to finally end Spain’s lossless streak.
Match Prediction
It’s a classic match of the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object – two icons in international football battling it out to qualify for football’s grandest stage. With both teams occupying the qualifying places in Group D with 16 points and their nearest rival seven points away, it may well be possible that a stalemate will be the result in the end.
Spain 1-1 Italy