In the end, two fellow sufferers of the Euro sovereign debt crisis, Spain and Italy, will be present at the Kiev Olympic Stadium in Ukraine this Sunday to battle it out for the right to lift the Euro 2012 trophy.
Financial woes aside, both countries have proved that they still have something worthy of praise in their football national teams. However, both entered the final via contrasting styles. Spain with elegance, Italy with confidence.
While Spain boasts an array of world-class players in their prime, Italy is made up of old guards who will rather pass than run with the ball as well as inconsistent youngsters. On paper, the Spanish seem to have the upper hand. The same applies on the field.
Rain or shine, Italy will certainly be chasing for the ball at most times as the Spanish players play their trademark passing game. If Spain opt for the 4-6-0 formation without a striker, things will surely look one-sided on the pitch. The thing is, are they able to convert those chances into goals?
Italy have at least three recognized forwards who have quality finishing. They also possess a pass-master in Andrea Pirlo. He sits in front of the defence, launches attacks from deep and plays an influential role in dictating the tempo of the game.
Pirlo attacks from a position that opposing players like David Silva and Xavi linger at. Ironically, it seems that an attacking midfielder from Spain will be tasked to mark the Italian veteran.
If Pirlo can drift around in the match more often, Italy might be able to lessen the damage Spain will inflict on them. If that and everything else fails, there is still Gianluigi Buffon, a tested and proven premium goalkeeper with many big-match experiences.
Man for man, Italy pales in comparison to their fellow finalists especially in the defence department. However, with good positional discipline and technical ability, they still have a chance to make it through. A bit, maybe a lot, of luck is required too.
Spain can pass the ball all they like to entertain the fans but it has to cross the line before they can even start thinking of being champions. Italy will likely be relying on dead-ball situations and long shots to crack a goal, that's where Pirlo and his teammates excel in.
Italy can win if they net an early goal to dent Spain's confidence and defend like mad dogs running about. I will go for the Azzuri. A slender 1:0 win for them.
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