Two of Europe's traditional powers will do battle today in an international friendly between Spain and Italy. The World Cup tune-up scheduled for 4 p.m. ET will be held at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid and can be live streamed here free. Additional TV coverage can be found on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
The two most recent World Cup champions will embark in the next chapter of their historic rivalry. For Italy, however, it'll be the revenge narrative at play in the Iberian Peninsula. The Azzurri weren't just emphatically defeated in the 2012 European Cup final, they were also bounced by the Spaniards in the 2013 Confederations Cup semifinal.
As if a superior opponent wasn't a difficult enough battle, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was forced to deal with internal issues ahead of today's friendly. An injured Mario Balotelli left him without his most prominent attacking option. Violent conduct left him without his vice-captain. After punching Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi during Saturday's goalless draw in Rome, midfielder Daniele De Rossi was given a retrospective three match ban.
Prandelli defended his position via a statement carried by Fox Sports. "I have told my players that I watch the games and that I don't have to wait for disciplinary ruling in order to make a decision," Prandelli said. "I have told them that if I see a gesture that I consider inappropriate, the player responsible for such an action will not come into the national team," he added.
"I don't want these type of gestures at the World Cup."
Italian players are forced to meet high standards off the pitch, but will they be able to meet the standards of Spanish football on the pitch? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: It's Italy against Spain, so naturally we should focus on a Brazilian. Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa decided to file a one-time switch and feature for his resident nation Spain, abandoning his native land of Brazil. Spain's historic tenure never benefited from a true No. 9, but Costa brings an extra bit of flair and tenacity the Spaniards can employ en route to a record four consecutive titles.
Spain Projected Lineup: Casillas; Juanfran, Albiol, Ramos, Alba; Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Xavi; Silva, Costa, Pedro
Italy Projected Lineup: Buffon; Criscito, Bonucci, Barzagli, Abate; Motta, Pirlo, Marchisio; Montolivo; Osvaldo, Destro
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