Will the Azzurri get pass Spain to reach the Semifinals tonight? After the previous 3 semifinals ties, the signs are that the Azzurri have the upperhand as the 1st Round top performer were dumped out. Holland, who crashed the Azzurri in the 1st game of the Euro 2008, played an ordinary game against Russia and was ousted as Snejder, van Persie and van der Waat can’t find the boot to score. Portugal performed better, but Germany as always a top performer in competition. Croatia, who beat Germany in the 1st round, were held by Turkey, but crashed out through penalty. 

Now Spain must be looking at their game in hand nervously. Italy, who have never lost to Spain in decades, must be feeling confident. But with the suspension of Andrea Pirlo, the Azzurri lacked the imaginative and visionary passing. His role, hopefully will be filled by the young lad Alberto Aquilani, though the more likely starter will be Simone Perotta. Perrota has been ineffectual in the previous few games.

Gianlugi Buffon will have to be at his top to put out the threat by the flamboyant Spanish attack of David Villa and Fernando Torres. In defense, the Azzurri will field the same backline of Zambrotta, Panucci, Chellini and Grosso. Zambrotta and Grosso have been instrumental in the Azzurri’s attack, while Chellini and Panucci have provide a sense of stability and continuity to the Italian defense, who will surely be attacked by the attacking minded Spanish.

In midfield, there will be de Rossi, Camoranesi, Ambrosini and Aquilani (if that is not to be, Perotta). de Rossi has been showing some touches of greatness, and the Azzurri will be counting on him(especially in the absence of Pirlo) to provide what a number 10 should provide. Ambrosini will be there to hassle the opponents, the role played by Gattuso. Camoranesi and Aquilani will run the midfield, as they are more comfortable with the ball.

In the forward line, there will be no doubt that Luca Toni will continue to start, but if he still can’t find the net, Donadoni should let the other strikers to replace him. Antonio Cassano will be there to provide the passing to Toni to convert.