Spain v Italy [Euro 2012 Group C]

[tottenham28]

Italy are not 'parking the bus' and the 6 man Spain midfield are lacking real forward momentum so far, if it continues a front man will surely come on at half time for Spain as I can't see where the chances of a goal will come from.

[marknow]

Looks like a cock-up from the Spain manager so far, plenty of the ball as you would expect with a 6 man midfield, but no final product.
What kind of psychological impact will this decision make on the Spain strikers for future games?

[fromrome]

good move from iniesta but fabregas doesn't act like a striker not dictating a pass being free in the box.

[ulizinho]

What do all these defensive coaches fear? They won't be lynched if they come back without the trophy!
I did not bet on Spain to defend their title, guess la furia roja is behind its peak!

[tottenham28]

Looks like a cock-up from the Spain manager so far, plenty of the ball as you would expect with a 6 man midfield, but no final product.
What kind of psychological impact will this decision make on the Spain strikers for future games?

Totally agree with you on the management cock up, they seem to want to walk it into the goal rather than having a front man up there who can just stick it away. I feel it will have an impact on the strikers also as who wants to play second fiddle to a player who hardly ever has an attempt at goal?
Italy have looked good going forward though, just shows when you have 'front men' that the chances will come. Spain will have to change it at half time for sure.

[GWolf1]

That lost cross to the back post, a forwards dream, but no, aimed at a Spanish midfielder.

[Redbullsnation]

Boring game, all about possession now...

[GWolf1]

Excellent blocking challenge from Bonucci to stop Fabregas from getting a proper shot on target.

[GWolf1]

What a save by Casillas, denies Motta's header down to his right.

[tottenham28]

Italy look to have far more about them than Spain and I think that is solely down to the Spanish formation, it would be a little more understandable if Spain had wingers who can make things happen but they don't.
Spain will have to change it or Italy may even run out winners in this game as they look a threat almost every time they go forward with Cassano causing all sorts of problems.

[fromrome]

iniesta all the way for spain, italy better with 2 good chances. no real clear opportunity for the spaniards, strange formation, proper attackers seem out of fashion

[marknow]

If Spain do not put on a striker for the second half the manager will get slaughtered in the local press, and rightly so. Not the type of tactics you would expect from a team packed with talent. This is how I expect Ireland or Croatia to play against Spain.

[fromrome]

i think italian listener of itv are all laughing since martinez calling bonucci "bocchini" (bokkini) that's the italian for a famous sexual practice......

[Tony07]

If Italy score first they will defo shut the shop, they are playing well Italy.

[ulizinho]

If Italy score first they will defo shut the shop, they are playing well Italy.

A player from Barca's academy will win anyhow (Thoago Motta)

[Tony07]

WTF was that Bollockteli

[ulizinho]

Balotelli: how stupid can one be???

[GWolf1]

Too much dwelling on the ball for Balotelli, could have also squared the ball.

[tottenham28]

What the hell was Balotelli doing there? may not get a better chance than that.

[fromrome]

balotelli had a blackout