The Spaniards are closing in on back-to-back European titles – thus emulating their senior counterparts – but DevisMangia’s Italy side will strive to end their nine-year drought.
Venue: Teddy Stadium, Jerusalem
Date: Tuesday, 18 June
Kick-off: 21:30 IST
Italy U21
Italy overcame the Netherlands in a close 1-0 win in their semi-final, benefitting from poor Dutch finishing and the opposite from goal scorer Borini, who finally showed his finishing quality in this tournament. The Italians certainly deserve to be in the final, and that means the final is being played between the two most impressive teams in the tournament.
Italy changed back to a more normal line-up against the Netherlands after the rotation seen against Norway in their final group game. Forward Fabio Borini was given his second start of the tournament and scored the winner against the Dutch with an intelligent turn and precise finish.
Following their gritty performance in seeing off Netherlands in the semi-finals, Italy are likely to make few changes to their personnel, with only Fausto Rossi and Ciro Immobile likely to make way.The Juventus midfielder struggled to deal with the combative nature of the Oranje central players in Petach-Tikva last Friday, while the Genoa striker was hauled off midway through the second half.
With that in mind, expect Alessandro Florenzi – who was deployed on the right flank – to be moved inside, with possibly the attacking guile of either Riccardo Saponara or Nicola Sansone as his replacement.Midfielder Lorenzo Insigne is fully fit after the Napoli winger picked up an ankle injury against Israel earlier in the tournament.
Italy coach DevisMangia has backed his players to cause an upset and claim a record sixth trophy.He said: “I have looked into the eyes of my players and no one is satisfied with just reaching the final.Italy have a chance to win because in the past in different competitions the less favored team has won. Perfection does not exist in football.”
Quick Facts
ü The only nation to have won the trophy more times than Spain are Italy, with triumphs in 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000 and 2004.
ü Fabio Borini was an unused substitute in Italy’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2012 final.
ü The Azzurri have the upper hand psychologically on opposition coach JulenLopetegui – he was on the bench when Spain lost to Italy in the 1994 World Cup quarter-finals.
Man to Watch
Marco Verratti– The PSG midfielder has been earning rave reviews for his performances at club level, and he will be key to Italy’s chances of winning a sixth Championship. He will have to break up play in the middle of the park to ensure that Spain do not get into any sort of passing rhythm or the final may become very one-sided.
Probable Lineup
Spain U21
Spain completely dominated possession and had the vast majority of chances against Norway in the semi-final, eventually securing a 3-0 victory that keeps them on course to retain the trophy. David De Gea is still yet to concede in the championship, while midfield maestro Isco continues to impress. There are few, if any, weaknesses in this wonderful, short passing-orientated Spanish side.
Spain returned to their more familiar starting line-up against Norway in the semi-final, going with the same eleven who started the crucial group match against Germany. Forward Alvaro Morata once again scored coming off the bench and is the tournament’s top goal scorer with four goals.
For Spain, their single alteration is likely to see Alvaro Morata, the competition’s top scorer with four strikes to his name in Israel, return to the XI at the expense of the goal-shy Rodrigo.David de Gea is also set to become Spain Under-21’s joint-record appearance holder when he takes to the field in Jerusalem – equalling the haul of the side’s assistant coach SantiDenia with 27 caps.
Malaga midfielder Isco has been the outstanding player of the tournament but Spain coach JulenLopetegui does not expect him to make the difference.He said: “Isco is one of the players who does not play as an individual but operates as part of a team. I am happy he’s in good form and he will help the team.We will be one united team in the final.”
Spain won the tournament two years ago with a 2-0 victory over Switzerland.
Quick Facts
ü Spain – unbeaten in 25 competitive matches – go into the final seeking to emulate the senior team’s feat of back-to-back European titles.
ü They have become the first team to reach the showpiece without conceding a goal since the adoption of a group stage format in 2000.
ü Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata is the tournament top scorer with 4 goals- one goal in every match.
ü ThiagoAlcantara was born in Italy as his father Mazinho, a 1994 World Cup winner with Brazil, represented Fiorentina at club level.
Man to Watch
Isco– The attacking midfielder has been central to the Spanish cause so far in the tournament and the European Golden Boy will be the key to unlocking a stubborn Italian defense. His playmaking ability and vision will come in handy as Spain will look to wrap up the game within the 90 minutes, as was evidenced by his mazy run and wonderful goal in the semifinal.
Probable Lineup
