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Italy national football team
World Cup Qualifying - Europe | Group Stage
Oct 6, 2016 at 7.45pm UK
 
Spain national football team

1-1

De Rossi (82' pen.)
FT(HT: 0-0)
Vitolo (55')

Live Commentary: Italy 1-1 Spain - as it happened

Relive all the action from Italy's 1-1 draw against Spain with Sports Mole's text commentary.
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Italy have preserved their 12-year unbeaten record in international qualifying games after they came from behind to draw with Spain.

Vitolo gave Julen Lopetegui's side the lead after the break and looked set to take victory after dominating much of the possession in Turin.

However, Roma's Daniele De Rossi's late penalty rescued a point for the Azzurri, who remain level on points with Spain in Group G.

Relive all the action from this World Cup Qualifier with Sports Mole text commentary.


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Hello and welcome to live coverage of a key World Cup Qualifier between Spain and Italy that could go a long way to deciding which of these teams will reach the finals come 2018.

This Group G clash at the Juventus Stadium is a chance at redemption for Spain, who are looking to atone for their defeat at the hands the Azzurri in the last 16 of this summer's European Championships.

For La Roja coach Julen Lopetegui, tonight's match represents his first significant test since he succeeded Vincente del Bosque in the summer. Lopetegui's first competitive game in charge last month, saw the Spanish run out 8-0 winners against Liechtenstein.

Similarly, Italy have a new manager with a point to prove in Giampiero Ventura, although the former Torino boss has been to play the significance of this fixture in the build-up to tonight.

Without further ado, let's bring you the latest team news from Turin...

ITALY XI: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Romagnoli; Florenzi, Parolo, De Rossi, Montolivo, De Sciglio; Eder, Pellè

ITALY SUBS: Donnarumma, Perin, Darmian, Ogbonna, Candreva, Bonaventura, Verratti, Immobile, Astori, Bernardeschi, Gabbiadini, Belotti

SPAIN XI: De Gea; Carvajal, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Koke, Busquets, Iniesta; Silva, Diego Costa, Vitolo

SPAIN SUBS Rico, Reina, Nacho, Morata, Callejon, Alacantara, Herrera, Roberto, Martinez, Vasquez, Nolito, Alcacer


Well, Lopetegui has made a key choice in attack with Sevilla forward Vitolo chosen to support Diego Costa in attack for the visitors. Paco Alcacer, Nolito and Alvaro Morata will all have to make to do with a place on the bench. While the Spain coach may be lacking in international experience, his defence and midfield is certainly not, with Pique and Ramos at centre-back and a three-man midfield of Koke, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta

Speaking of experience, nobody can accuse Gianluigi Buffon of lacking in that department. The Juventus stopper will make his 164th appearance for the national team this evening. Daniele Di Rossi will play at the base of a five-man midfield, with Montolivo and Parolo ahead of him. Graziano Pelle, who absolutely didn't leave Southampton for the money, is partnered up front by Eder.

As I mentioned earlier, Ventura has been to play down the importance of this game and has also been quick to butter up in Spanish counterpart in the press.

He told reporters: "It's an important game but not a decisive one. They're a team who have changed in their approach and the way they do things on the pitch.

"This coach (Lopetegui), who I greatly admire, has given them adrenaline, conviction and a made them a completely different team."


Meanwhile, Lopetegui is not keeping his cards close to his chest and suggested that he "must play our strongest team in a game like this". That could be seen as bad news for the likes of Morata and Alcacer, if they hope to regain a starting place for La Roja.

Although Spain were left licking their wounds the last time these teams met at Euro 2016, their form against Italy is strong. Indeed, the Azzurri 2-0 win in June was their first against the Spanish since USA 94, when a certain Roberto Baggio scored in the dying minutes.

Indeed, it may be naive to expect many goals between the sides. Aside from the Euro 2016 encounter, only once has a side won by more than two goals in the history of this fixture and that came when Spain smashed four past the Azzurri to win Euro 2012.

The players are heading out on to the pitch, facing a massive Azzurri mosaic in te Juventus Stadium. Di Rossi is being presented with an award for his 100th cap. In fairness, he doesn't look too bothered, but that could be because his century has been and gone. Great timing from the Italian FA!

PREDICTION: As the anthems ring around Turin, it is about time for a prediction and, given the experience that Spain has in it's ranks, I'm tipping to leave with something from tonight. Most bookies don't see it that way, with Italy slight favourites.

KICKOFF: We're underway in a mostly full Juventus Stadium. Should be gripping!

Straight away Spain look to knock it around. New manager, same possession-based game. Italy get their first touch on the minute mark, but lose it quickly.

The hosts are really pinned back in these opening minutes. La Roja not in a rush to attack or to give it away.

Carvajal delivers a free-kick from the right-hand side, but the visitors unable to break down the Italy defence. Di Sci

FOUL! Bonucci is bundled over by Costa. The defender goes down holding his face. I'm not sure Costa hit him that hard!

Costa again in the heart of the action. He earns a corner, but David Silva's delivery was easily taken by Buffon.

Buffon immediately flings the ball out and catches Spain cold. After an initial panic, Pique and Ramos restore order.

First real chance of note as Iniesta receives the ball around the penalty spot. His shot is fairly weak and Buffon collects, but Ventura is barking out orders from the bench. He's not pleased with his team's start.

Rare spell of posession and Pelle calls for cross into the box. The delivery is well off-target. Silva tries to engineer an opening at the other end, but is closed out by Barzagli.

Italy trying to force the issue at the other end. Parolo tries to thread a through-ball and fails to execute.

CLOSE! Spain close to opening the scoring. Silva strikes at goal and his effort is deflected by De Rossi. His shot is inches wide with Buffon rooted to the spot.

CLOSE! Pique has his head in his heads. His header at the back post drifts across the face of goal. According to the referee, it was deflected for a corner.

Alba is down and looking in some pain. Eventually gets to his feet, but I think his time might be up.

SPAIN SUB: Indeed, Alba is being replaced, with Nacho introduced. That should be a straight swap.

FOUL! As Spain monopolise possession, Pelle loses his cool and brings down Iniesta. Set piece in a dangerous area.

CHANCE! Pique again! This time a close-range header is meek and Buffon gathers easily. It was a central position and only a few yards out, so that has to go down as a big miss by the Barca man.

YELLOW CARD: Busquets takes one for the team, bringing down Pelle. Ramos then scythes down Montilivo and somehow escapes a booking. Work that one out!

UPDATE: Over in Vienna, Joe Allen had given Wales a priceless lead away to Austria, but his Stoke teammate Marko Arnautovic has equalised.

ITALY SUB: I mentioned Montilivo before and he will not carry on. Bonaventura on in his place.

Spain continue where the left off. Carvajal slips in Vitolo. He tries to cross for Costa, but the ball is cut out.

Barzagli is earning his crust tonight. He stays close to Silva as the Manchester City winger tries to weave into room and blocks another cross.

I can't remember De Gea making any kind of save so far. I'm sure how many times he has even kicked the ball in anger. He's probably planning his shopping ist. He has enough time to!

A rare attack Eder. He then stumbles over the ball. Parolo eventually attempts a cross and it goes out of play. At least De Gea has something to do!

Joking aside, this is Italy's most promising spell and they are finally getting a foot on the ball. Yet again, though they can't make it count and Spain escape.

YELLOW CARD: Vitolo is the second La Roja player to go into the book. He is adjudged to have fouled Bonucci, but there doesn't look to be much in that challenge to worry about.

YELLOW CARD: What a surprise! Costa is the latest to go into the book. Another harsh decision with Bonucci involved.

Two minutes left of this "absorbing" first half...

HALF-TIME: Italy 0-0 Spain

Well, I may be unfair to sarcastically label this game as absorbing. Spain have played well, bossing possession and created the few chances of any note. Italy will be glad of a cuppa and a rethink.

STATS: As mentioned, Lopetegui's men have had most of the ball (71%). However, there have only been six attempts at goal, with only two on target. I'd go on to wax lyrical about Spain's 94% passing accuracy, but I'd rather swap that for some second-half goals.

BENCH WATCH: Should Spain wish to add some firepower up front, they have an abundance of options with Alcacer, Morata and Nolito to choose from. Italy also have Immobile and Napoli forward Gabbiadini. However, Verratti might be a better option as they try to get more of the ball from La Roja.

KICKOFF: The game is back underway in Turin.

FOUL! Groans around the Juventus Stadium as Romanogli knocks Vitolo to the floor. With the ball in the centre circle and Vitolo facing his own goal, that seemed as unnecessary challenge to make.

YELLOW CARD: Now Parolo has entered the referee's book for a challenge on Koke. Again needless from the Italians, although they have shown more adventure.

Italy had a throw in, but De Scgilio has gifted possession back to the away side. Poor is the only word for that!

UPDATE: Austria and Wales are certainly slugging it out in Vienna, Arnautovic has scored again and it's 2-2. Republic of Ireland are also ahead at home to Georgia.

GOAL! Italy 1-0 Spain (Vitolo)

Well, Spain deservedly ahead, but the manner is surprising as a through ball from Busquets was missed by Buffon and Vitolo had an empty net to aim at. The Sevilla man made no mistake.

A tad more urgency from the Italians, but Spain have been largely untroubled. Feels like the hosts might ring the changes soon.

ITALY SUB: There we have it. Pelle is off and Immobile will play up front with Eder. It's fair to say that Pelle has been ineffectual tonight.

Chants of "Italia" ring around the stadium as the Azzurri faithful try to encourage a response from the hosts. Spain have given the ball a bit in the last few minutes.

YELLOW CARD: Bonaventura goes into the book for hacking down Koke. Italy cannot afford to lose their cool.

CLOSE! Italy's best chance of the game arguably. Florenzi curls in a cross for Immobile and former Borussia Dortmund man can't reach the ball as it drifts wide.

Costa is lucky not to pick up a second yellow card. After being flagged for offside, he decides to kick the ball away. A rise smile on his face, but I wouldn't be surprised if Lopetegui considers bringing him off now.

SPAIN SUB: And that is Costa's last action this evening as Morata is brought on in his place.

CHANCE! The game is slowly coming to life as another through ball for Vitolo gives him a great chance to finish the game. However, he fires a foot or so wide of Buffon's right-hand post.

The Azzurri have definitely proven to be more competitive in this second half. That said, chances have been at a premium. Will that change?

A wasted opportunity for Italy as De Sciglio puts Immobile into space. The forward tries to shoot for what looked to be an impossible angle and sees it blocked. I can't help but think there were better options available!

Another corner for Spain after Carvajal rampages down the right flank, but fails to get his cross in. Spain have regularly failed to get the final ball right and that seems their only negative so far.

YELLOW CARD: Ramos is deservedly booked for what can only be described as a body check on Florenzi. It bordering on assault!

ITALY SUB: Parolo's shocking evening comes to an end, with Belotti coming on. Expect him to go up front with Immobile and Eder.

PENALTY! Wow! Italy have been given a lifeline here. Ramos carelessly sticks a foot out and Eder obliges. It was an easy decision in the end and De Rossi looks like he stepping up...

GOAL! Italy 1-1 Spain (De Rossi, pen)

Well, I think it's fair to say that Italy haven't deserved that on the balance of proceedings. However, they are a hard team to beat in qualifiers. They haven't lost one for 12 years. De Rossi was calm from the spot and sent De Gea the wrong way.

YELLOW CARD: Pique is now in the book. Spain suddenly looked shaky in defence, but can Italy nick a second while they are on top?

GOAL DISALLOWED! Italy thought they were ahead when Belotti slotted past De Gea, but Immobile was adjudged to have fouled the keeper. The fans are certainly sensing a comeback.

Suddenly, it's the hosts knocking the ball around with conviction. This is quite a turnaround from the timid display of the first half. Can they sneak a late winner?

Three minutes of injury time left to play at the Juventus Stadium...

FOUL! Nacho is knocked over near the corner flag by Florenzi. This could be a costly free-kick if the visitors take advantage!

Italy manage to smuggle the ball away and that might be enough for a point. I can't see Spain getting another chance.

FULL-TIME: Italy 1-1 Spain

Well, Italy have rescued a point and preserve a 12-year unbeaten record in qualifiers, but they were nearly beaten into submission by Spain. It was certainly an entertaining second-half after a uneventful first period. Thank you for joining us and stick with Sports Mole for all the latest from the World Cup Qualifiers. Goodbye!

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