Morata starts Under-21 final

Julen Lopetegui has dropped Rodrigo Moreno in favour of Alvaro Morata for Spain’s UEFA Under-21 Championship Final against Italy.

Morata, who is the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, comes in for only his second start of the competition in place of the Benfica forward.

Beyond this change, Lopetegui has run with the same 10 other players that began the semi-final against Norway at the weekend.

David de Gea’s selection means he equals the caps record at this level for Spain, with this his 27th appearance to draw him level with Santiago Denia.

Italy meanwhile pull no surprises and are able to field Lorenzo Insigne from the start, following his return to action after an ankle injury sustained in the group stages.

Line-ups for the UEFA Under-21 Championship Final

Spain: De Gea; Montoya, Bartra, Íñigo Martínez, Moreno; Koke, Illarramendi, Thiago; Tello, Isco, Morata

Spain bench: Marino, Joel, Nacho, Marc Muniesa, Alvaro, Carvajal, Camacho, Sarabia, Rodrigo, Muniain, Alvaro Vazquez

Italy: Bardi; Donati, Caldirola, Bianchetti, Regini; Florenzi, Verratti, Rossi, Insigne; Immobile, Borini

Italy bench: Leali, Colombi, Biraghi, Capuano, Marrone, Bertolacci, Crimi, Gabbiadini, Destro, Sansone, Paloschi, Saponara

Ref: Jug (SVN)

Tags 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Azzurrini De Gea Italy La Rojita Morata Rodrigo Spain Under-21s
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