For the first time ever, Spain are unchanged for the fourth game running against Italy in the Euro 2016 last 16.
Marca reported prior to the game that Vicente del Bosque had settled on his best XI and was happy with their performances in the tournament, despite Spain’s 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final group match.
Consequently, David de Gea remains in goal, with Juanfran Torres and Jordi Alba flanking centre-backs Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos.
There had been talk of Koke coming in for Nolito and Cesc Fabregas functioning as a false nine at the expense of Alvaro Morata, but Del Bosque has stuck to his guns.
Italy, meanwhile, are forced to make one change as Antonio Candreva’s injury is plugged by Mattia De Sciglio, the Milan wingback’s inclusion over Matteo Darmian considered something of a surprise.
Spain famously thrashed Italy 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012 and have not lost to the Azzurri in competitive football since the 1994 World Cup.
Italy: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Florenzi, Parolo, De Rossi, Giaccherini, De Sciglio; Pelle, Eder
Spain: De Gea; Juanfran, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Cesc, Iniesta; Silva, Morata, Nolito
Referee: Cakir [TUR]
