Lopetegui hands start to Deulofeu

Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu has been handed a start in Julen Lopetegui's first game in charge of Spain's Under-21s.

Following the departure from the role of Luis Milla in the wake of Spain's poor showing at the Olympics, Lopetegui's first match comes against Switzerland in Sion.

Only a point needed for the Under-21s to advance to the play-offs for next year's European Championship.

For the match – a repeat of last year's tournament final, which Spain won 2-0 to take the title – Lopetegui has handed a starting berth to Barca wonderkid Deulofeu, 18. However, Isco of Malaga, who was a pre-match fitness concern, is not in the line-up.

Tonight’s match in Sion has a 7.30pm CET kick-off.

Starting line-ups

Spain: De Gea; Montoya, Bartra, Inigo Martinez, Planas; Oriol Romeu, Deulofeu, Koke; Tello, Sarabia, Rodrigo

Switzerland: Burki; Koch, Moubandje, Schar, Affolter; Buff, Kasami, Seferovic, Toko; Ben Khalifa, Zuber

Tags Deulofeu La Rojita Lopetegui Spain Under-21s
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