Preview Of The Euro 2020 Semifinals, Italy Vs Spain: The Battle For Control Of The Ball

Spain national team players (Twitter @euro2020)

JAKARTA - The Euro 2020 semifinal match between Italy and Spain which is scheduled to take place at Wembley, London, Wednesday morning will be marked with a battle for possession of the ball.

This cannot be separated from Enrique's observation that Italy has changed a lot since Roberto Mancini handled it and is no longer attached to the label of catenaccio defensive football strategy.

"I think these two teams are quite similar. First of all because this Italian team, maybe, is not like in the past who just defended and waited for what happened", said Enrique, quoted by Antara from UEFA's official website, Tuesday.

Spain's road to the semi-finals 🇪🇸

⚽️ La Roja have scored 12 goals at EURO 2020 so far, equaling their highest-ever total at the EURO finals#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/CGCFfatLJo

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 5, 2021

"This Italian team has great players who want to have the ball. That will be the first battle of the game: who will dominate possession?", he added.

Enrique thinks it is impossible for both Italy and Spain to appear dominant, so the match will be interesting.

Moreover, the former Barcelona player also thinks that Mancini's Italy is a very, very solid team.

"They attack and defend as a unit, which is very similar to what we do", he said.

"They also have a high starting line, something that is difficult to imagine the past Italy could do.

🇮🇹 Who'll be the main man for @azzurri ❓#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/lCy4JxRoTh

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 5, 2021

"Now they are strong in some ways of playing, which means the game will be very interesting. Both teams will have their own moments", said Enrique complete.

Spain qualified for the semifinals after eliminating Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-finals and this is the first time that La Furia Roja has returned to the last four of a tournament since 2012.

If able to pass Italy, Spain will meet England or Denmark in the final.