Confederations Cup Semifinals – Spain vs Italy
Italy has been waiting for over a year a rematch against Spain, well; they got what they want it as they will face the current World Champions, this Thursday at 3 PM ET at Castelao Stadium, in the second semifinal of the Confederation Cup.
Last summer Spain destroyed Italy 4-0 in the EURO 2012 final and took the trophy to their country for the second time in a row, and third time overall. Italy seeks for revenge this Thursday; however they will have to do it without playmaker Mario Balotelli, who suffered an injury and won’t play for the rest of the tournament.
“I feel like a loser having to leave like this,” the 22-year-old said. “I would have wanted to stay here. However, there is a Champions League preliminary game on the horizon, and I, therefore, need to be treated for that. Saying that, I’m sure my international teammates will continue to do well without me.”
Spain’s side is one of the most prolific teams in football history; they won the 2008 and 2012 European Championship and the 2010 World Cup, but this generation looks for the Confederations Cup title to be the icing on the cake.
“Spain are in much better shape than us, given the ease with which they qualified,” Italy’s coach Cesare Prandelli explained. “They have a clear identity and are clear favorites. Spain are the best team in the world, and they have proved that over the last four or five years. They are almost impossible to beat”.
The odds have Spain -275 in the moneyline and Italy +600; the draw is listed at +375.
Zack is a tour guide whose favorite sports are football, baseball, and golf. He enjoys giving obnoxious commentary during games and hopes to some day write a book about sports. His favorite underdog victory was the Diamondbacks beating the Yankees in game 7 of the World Series.
