Team News: Mario Balotelli starts, Fernando Torres misses out
© PA Photos
Spain have opted to play six midfielders and no recognised strikers in their Euro 2012 opener against Italy today.
The decision means that there is no place for Chelsea's Fernando Torres or Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente in the defending champions' starting lineup.
Instead, coach Vincente Del Bosque has chosen to play a midfield of Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, David Silva, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, with the latter three expected to provide Spain's main attacking threat.
Italy, meanwhile, will start with Manchester City's Mario Balotelli up front alongside Antonio Cassano.
Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Alonso, Silva, Fabregas, Iniesta.
Subs: Valdes, Albiol, Javi Martinez, Juanfran, Pedro, Torres, Negredo, Mata, Llorente, Santi Cazorla, Jesus Navas, Reina.
Italy: Buffon, Chiellini, De Rossi, Bonucci, Giaccherni, Marchisio, Pirlo, Thiago Motta, Maggio, Cassano, Balotelli.
Subs: Sirigu, Ogbonna Obienza, Balzaretti, Abate, Di Natale, Barzagli, Borini, Montolivo, Giovinco, Diamanti, Nocerino, De Sanctis.
The decision means that there is no place for Chelsea's Fernando Torres or Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente in the defending champions' starting lineup.
Instead, coach Vincente Del Bosque has chosen to play a midfield of Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, David Silva, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, with the latter three expected to provide Spain's main attacking threat.
Italy, meanwhile, will start with Manchester City's Mario Balotelli up front alongside Antonio Cassano.
Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Alonso, Silva, Fabregas, Iniesta.
Subs: Valdes, Albiol, Javi Martinez, Juanfran, Pedro, Torres, Negredo, Mata, Llorente, Santi Cazorla, Jesus Navas, Reina.
Italy: Buffon, Chiellini, De Rossi, Bonucci, Giaccherni, Marchisio, Pirlo, Thiago Motta, Maggio, Cassano, Balotelli.
Subs: Sirigu, Ogbonna Obienza, Balzaretti, Abate, Di Natale, Barzagli, Borini, Montolivo, Giovinco, Diamanti, Nocerino, De Sanctis.
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