Italy v Spain – Preview, Prediction, TV Listings, Betting Odds – Friendly – 10 August 2011
2010 World Cup Champions face 2006 World Cup Champions as Italy hosts Spain in a friendly match. The match will take place at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari, Italy on Wednesday, August 10, 2011. Kickoff is scheduled for 19:45 BST (UK time), 20:45 CET (Central Europe), and 14:45 EST (USA Eastern).
Italy v Spain TV Listings
It will be televised on RAI 1 (Italy), TVE La Primera (Spain), Sport TV2 (Portugal), Sport+ (France), and on Al Jazeera Sport (Middle East).
Italy v Spain Preview
Italy manager Cesare Prandelli
“I’m curious to see how far we have done to bridge the gap that separates us from the Spanish champions. For me the difference between us and them is cultural. I want to see personality and bravery in recovering the ball. And then play it. I’m curious to know where we stand. Of course Spain has a competitive advantage from a job done in even years starting from the national minors. But this game does just that. “
“At this time Rossi is ahead of all, continuity and knowledge acquired by the owner. Cassano has worked rather well against Milan, it is thinner than three pounds since the beginning of the withdrawal. He knows he has to lose weight and it did. If I advised him to go play with continuity? Absolutely not. This goes for all players, everyone knows just what to do. I said I need to come to the National to be in condition to play, and helps with continuity. But the league will make the choices and can also be used in cases of players not summoned. “
Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque
“Italy are going through a phase of renovation. They are doing well in the Euro 2012 qualifiers and are playing good football. They´ve changed their style to accommodate the players they have, but there are not many differences. I am not one to give advice to Italy and in any case Spain can learn a lot from a country that has been World Cup winners four times.”
“I would like Thiago to make his debut and we´ve already addressed that. We will be sensible with players who have to play official games with their clubs, but in reality we can only make six changes so five will have to play the full 90 minutes and another four will have to watch from the stands, which hurts me the most.”
“I don´t even want to think what happened in Portugal (4-0 loss) can be repeated. The players are responsible and know everything has changed since Spain became World Champions. Both the clubs and the national team have their own space and the most important thing at the moment is the game against Italy.”
Italy v Spain Prediction
1-1 Draw
Italy v Spain Betting Odds
Italy win – 2/1
Draw – 23/10
Spain win – 13/10
