How Spain could line up against Italy

Ahead of their UEFA Nations League semi-final contest with Italy on Thursday, Spain have several familiar names missing from the 23-man squad that travelled to the Netherlands.

Barcelona trio Sergio Busquets, Ferran Torres and Pedri are all absent from Luis de la Fuente's selection, with the former having retired from international football and the latter sidelined by a thigh problem.

Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno is also unavailable for La Roja's latest attempt at winning the Nations League finals, but first-choice goalkeeper Unai Simon returns after missing out on the March international period.

At centre-back, Robin Le Normand of Real Sociedad - recently naturalised as Spanish - has been called up for the first time and, having been given the number three jersey, is set to start.

Though Fran Garcia has been drafted in as cover following the withdrawal of fellow full-back Juan Bernat, Real Madrid's new arrival will only provide cover for new Spain captain Jordi Alba. The latter is set to make his 92nd international appearance on Thursday evening, but his clubmate Gavi - who should also start in Enschede - has some catching up to do in that regard.

After making his senior debut against Italy in October 2021, last year's Golden Boy winner became Spain's youngest-ever scorer during this season's Nations League group stage - aged just 17 years 304 days, he beat the record of another Barcelona starlet, Ansu Fati, by just a week.

Against Italy, Gavi could be asked to deputise for Dani Olmo, who has sustained a muscular injury this week and may not be ready to start; playing further forward in a probable 4-2-3-1 formation.

Should Olmo be ruled out, then suggestions that De la Fuente will consider using a 'false nine' would surely be wide of the mark - either Alvaro Morata or Joselu is likely to lead the line.

Spain possible starting lineup: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Alba; Rodri, Merino; Asensio, Gavi, Fati; Morata

> Click here to see how Italy could line up for their UEFA Nations League semi-final