Aquilani to step into Pirlo's boots, Saturday 21 June 2008

For the Azzurri's Spanish inquisition, attention is focused on the decision that coach Roberto Donadoni will have to make regarding who replaces the suspended Milan duo of Andrea Pirlo and Rino Gattuso, and what the re-shaped midfield will look like.

The latest "insider" information from the Italy camp suggests that they will adopt a formation similar to that of their Iberian opponents. A 4-1-4-1 tactic may be used so as to help nullify the in form Spanish side, who have a 100% record so far in Austria/Switzerland, and this formation will mean casualties in the form of, most likely, Antonio Cassano.

The defence picks itself due to injuries to Andrea Barzagli and captain Fabio Cannavaro, both of whom will take no further playing part in Euro 2008, but will stay with the team to keep up morale. That along with the erratic performances of Inter defender Marco Materazzi means that the the back four will be the same as the thos ethat played in the 2-0 win over France. In any case, Giorgio Chiellini has deserved to keep his place, and the experience of Panucci, although slightly out of position, will help in the pressure filled atmosphere of the Ernst-Heppel Arena in Zurich on Sunday. Zambrotta and Grosso will start on the left and right of defence respectively.

If a 4-1-4-1 tactic is used, it would mean Daniele De Rossi protecting the defence, with Ambrosini or Perrotta alongside a new favourite to start in the centre, Alberto Aquilani of Roma. This will be the biggest game the Azzurri starlet has played in at international level, and he will be hoping to justify his inclusion at the expense of Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo, and cement a place in the Italy squad. Donadoni's choice of Ambrosini or Perrotta may well be a sign of how adventurous and attacking he will be, with the Milan man more likely to used to contain the midfield threat of Xavi and Iniesta. Either way, both may be called into action at some point on Sunday.

Mauro Camoranesi may return to the right hand side of midfield, in a more offensive position, something mirrored on the left wing by Antonio Di Natale. Having enjoyed excellent Serie A campaigns, neither has even established themselves in the Azzurri line-up this summer, and a mouth-watering tie against Spain may be the ideal place to start.

The key may well be on the wings, with the over-lapping runs of Zambrotta and Grosso, the natural wing-play of Camoranesi, and the danger posed by Di Natale when cutting in from the left. Toni has looked most dangerous in the air this tournament, as few opponents can match him. This may well be the strategy to overcome a Spanish side that are top-scorers in Euro 2008 so far with 8 goals, and have more than enough attacking ability to trouble the Azzurri's slightly make-shift back-line.

Probable Line-ups

ITALIA:4-1-4-1 Buffon, Grosso, Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Aquilani, De Rossi, Ambrosini, Camoranesi, Di Natale, Toni.

SPAGNA: 4-1-4-1 Casillas, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila, Ramos, Senna, Xavi, Iniesta, Silva, Villa, Fernando Torres

Tim D