Vicente del Bosque is set to name an unchanged XI for the fourth game running when Spain take on Italy in the last 16 of Euro 2016 later.
Marca reports that despite Spain’s 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final group game, which condemned them to the harder side of the draw, Del Bosque feels no need to alter his starting line-up, which he considers his best.
Thus, the Coach is holding out for “none other than good football and a first touch, plus intelligent feet” in La Roja’s approach to victory, citing Ivan Rakitic’s late winner as just a freak occurence.
The newspaper adds Del Bosque had considered drafting in Koke for Nolito and playing Cesc Fabregas as a false nine, the Chelsea midfielder having done so at Euro 2012, yet “everything indicates to changes in tactical moves rather than personnel”.
Antonio Candreva’s injury has also been welcomed by the Spain camp due to both the Lazio winger being considered crucial to Italy for his work and La Roja’s perceived weakness down the left-hand side.
Probable Spain XI vs Italy: De Gea; Juanfran, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Cesc, Iniesta; Silva, Morata, Nolito
