Spain vs Italy
Football games between these two proud nations are always worth the admission money.
The traditional flair of the Spanish national side versus the traditional foundation stone of the Italians.
The often irresistible force against the obdurate immovable object.
Whatever the betting odds, it still so often comes down to who perseveres best in this ideological battle.
Whether it’s the turn for style or substance to triumph.
What the Spanish interpret as the beautiful game taking on the defensively minded, sometimes cynical, boring Italians – they call it catenaccio.
By contrast, Italy will always argue they can mix it with the best for flair but have the edge because of their mentality, their defensive solidity and their toughness.
Certainly, they were superbly organised and exciting with attacking power and pace when they dethroned the-then reigning European Champions Spain at Euro 2016 14 months ago.
When they met in the World Cup qualifying group stages under new managers last October, Italy dominated long spells but needed a late Daniele De Rossi penalty to rescue a point.
Little has changed since.
They both remain well on course to qualify for next summer’s World Cup in Russia – the only question mark being who qualifies as winners of Group G with the runners-up facing a
November play-off.
If one nation wins this encounter outright in the Santiago Bernabeu, they will almost certainly top the group.
The odds are clear. Asian Handicap -0.75 Spain @ 2.14 has a certain appeal, yet so does the backing of 1X2 Italy @ 3.90.
So where is your money on?
Will Giampiero Ventura be able to guide the Italians to their first victory on Spanish soil for 70 years?
A transformation in personnel has not let the Azzurri down in recent times with an injection of new blood, coupled with the emergence of Andrea Belotti and Lorenzo Insigne, ensuring they have enough creative talent to match their resolute backline.
Just like Torino’s Belotti, Spain have their own young talent who revitalised the national team’s attacking options.
Veteran David Villa, Spain’s all-time top scorer with 59 goals, may have been recalled but it is the form of Marco Asensio which is the talk of the nation.
As these old foes prepare to resume their rivalry, will the Real Madrid youngster shine for country on his own ground as he is doing for club?
Will the home crowd’s notorious boo-boys show respect to Gerard Pique and put club rivalries aside?
Can Julen Lopetegui’s men break down the resistance of Italians who have only conceded four goals in their entire qualifying campaign?
We will see what happens next!
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
