The second semi-final in the Confederations Cup pitted Spain against Italy on Thursday.
It was the Italians that dominated the opening 45 minutes of football, but they passed up a number of clear-cut opportunities to enter the interval with a lead against the current European and world champions.
Both sides had opportunities in the second period, but neither could make the breakthrough as the last-four clash headed for extra time.
It took penalties to eventually separate the two sides, with Jesus Navas winning it for Spain with the decisive strike after Leonardo Bonucci had sent his effort over the crossbar.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! The second semi-final in the Confederations Cup is upon us as European and world champions Spain clash with Italy in Fortaleza. If the bookmakers are to believed, then Spain will advance to the final on Sunday, but I am certain that Italy will have something to say about that. It promises to be a fascinating encounter between two real heavyweights of international football.
TEAMS:
SPAIN: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Silva, Torres, Pedro
ITALY: Buffon; Maggio, Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli; Marchisio, Pirlo, De Rossi; Giaccherini, Gilardino, Candreva
So there we have it. Fernando Torres is given the nod in attack for Spain this evening with Roberto Soldado and David Villa named on the bench. David Silva also starts, but Juan Mata and Cesc Fabregas are consigned to an incredibly strong bench. Italy are without the injured Mario Balotelli this evening, with Alberto Gilardino given the chance to impress. Meanwhile, Mattia de Sciglio, Alberto Aquilani and Riccardo Montolivo also drop to the bench.
In total the two sides have met 31 times in recognised matches. Italy have won 10 to Spain’s nine, with the further 12 ending in a draw. La Roja have enjoyed much of the recent success, however, overcoming Italy 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012. The two sides also met in the group stages of that particular competition, where the points were shared in a 1-1 draw.
Spain, who have also lost just one of their last eight matches against Italy, are unbeaten in 28 competitive matches – winning 24 – since losing to Switzerland at the 2010 World Cup. According to FIFA, that is a record for international football. As mentioned, Spain secured their spot in the semi-finals by topping Group B with wins over Uruguay, Tahiti and Nigeria.
Italy, meanwhile, conceded eight goals in the group stages of this competition, which is a record number for the European outfit. They have also leaked three or more goals in back-to-back games for the first time since May 1976, which is not a statistic that will be welcomed as they prepare to face the best side in world football.
Italy opened their Group A campaign with a 2-1 win over Mexico courtesy of a late strike from Mario Balotelli, before they overcame Japan 4-3 in one of the most extraordinary matches that this competition has seen. However, their group campaign ended in disappointment with a 4-2 defeat to Brazil, who they will face in the final should they triumph this evening.
The absence of Balotelli for Italy simply cannot be understated with the AC Milan striker hitting 10 goals in 25 games for Cesare Prandelli’s side. Sure, Italy have a host of attacking talent on display, but Spain have conceded just once in the competition thus far. In the end, it could come down to which side comes to terms with the humid conditions in Fortaleza.
Here’s a quick word from Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who by his own high standards, has had a poor competition: “We've got to start conceding fewer goals. A team of our talent and skill level shouldn't be making defensive errors like these,” the Juventus stopper told reporters at a press conference yesterday.
Right, we are just about two minutes from kickoff this evening, which can mean only one thing, time for my pre-match prediction. In a semi-final, anything can happen, but I am really struggling to make a case for Italy in this particular match, especially with key personnel missing. If it doesn’t go right for Spain, they can look to their star-studded bench. For me, Spain will comfortably book their spot in the final.
Here we go then. Just a reminder that the winner of this match will face Brazil in the final on Sunday. It must be said that there is a truly sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. Let's hope that the standard of the football matches the occasion. Can Italy find a way of overcoming this multi-talented Spanish outfit? Stay with us to find out. Spain get the action underway on this humid evening in Brazil.
The heat inside the stadium, which is almost touching 30 degrees, is almost unbearable, but the show must go on. Perhaps not too surprisingly, Spain have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of moments. Pedro attempts to force the issue with a low cross into the box, but Buffon is comfortable watching it wide of his post.
Italy have the majority of the support inside the stadium, but that will not faze this Spanish outfit. It would be no exaggeration to say that Italy simply have not had the ball in the opening four minutes of this semi-final. Pedro eventually strikes an effort from outside the box, but it just moves wide of the post. Really bright start from the European and world champions.
Half-chance for Giaccherini as the Italian collects a pass from Gilardino before curling an effort towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the post. Bright counter attack from Italy, which could be their biggest threat this evening. Italy have reverted to a three-man defence this evening, with Marchisio and Giaccherini operating from a wide position. High tempo opening to this match.
Ramos shows his willingness to attack as the centre-back combines with Iniesta before attempting to drive into the Italian box, but it just moved away from the Real Madrid defender. Candreva threatens down the other end moments later, but Casillas is out to claim. Hardly time to take a breath as both sides continue to commit men forward at each opportunity.
Better from Italy in the last couple of moments with Candreva a willing runner down the right, the midfielder drives a low cross into the box, but Ramos is across to clear. The resulting corner is met by the head of Bonucci, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Plenty of suggestions that both sides have come to attack this evening, which is brilliant news for the neutral.
More boos around the stadium as Spain enjoy an extended period of possession in the Italian half. Gilardino threatens down the other end with a bright run behind Ramos, but the striker just cannot control at the vital moment. Not too much in terms of clear opportunities in the opening 12 minutes, but the signs are certainly there.
Impressive defending from Italy in the last couple of moments with Spain forced into a couple of sloppy errors in the Italian half. You just get the feeling that Italy need to score first if they are to have a chance this evening. Torres opens his legs down the other end for Spain, but Chiellini is back to make the challenge.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Italy seemingly comfortable dealing with the threat from Spain. Alba is a willing runner down the left, but the Barcelona defender is crowded out by Candreva. A mazy run from Iniesta threatens Italy moments later, but again Maggio is across to make a fine challenge.
CHANCE! First real opportunity of the match comes to Italy as Candreva finds Gilardino in the box, but the striker can only turn his effort wide of the post. You just get the feeling that the Italians need to take those kind of chances. Plenty of attacking threat from Italy in the opening 18 minutes of this semi-final. However, the score remains goalless.
CHANCE! Again Italy come close to the opener as Maggio runs past Alba before meeting a long pass from Pirlo, but Casillas is out to make a fine save at the vital moment. Make no mistake about it, Italy should be ahead in this match. They are full of energy at the moment, but they really need to start taking those chances.
CHANCE! Oh my good grief. Italy's third chance in four minutes as De Rossi meets a free kick from Pirlo, but he can only flick his header wide of the post. Three golden opportunities to take the lead against the European and world champions. One-way traffic at the moment as Marchisio spurns another chance moments later.
Better from Spain in the last couple of moments with Torres and Busquets combining in the box, but the latter can only fire his cross straight onto the head of Chiellini. You just wonder whether Del Bosque could be thinking about an early change here. It isn't as if they are short of options on the bench. Italy have been so impressive in the opening 24 minutes of this semi-final.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments, with Spain just settling in possession of the ball. You have to admire the Italian's shape this evening. There is simply nowhere to go for the likes of Iniesta and Xavi. Alba attempts to go alone down the left, but Pirlo comes across to challenge before releasing Giaccherini down the left. What an enthralling opening 26 minutes we have had to this match.
It is almost like watching a chess match at the moment with Spain passing and probing outside the box, but Italy have closed the door on each occasion thus far. Xavi comes close to finding a way through as he combines with Silva outside the box, but Buffon comes out to claim at the vital moment. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
The atmosphere has just dropped inside the stadium in the last couple of moments, with the supporters fascinated with what they are watching this evening. No real opportunities in the last few moments, but that has taken nothing away from the match. One team has had the best of it thus far, and that team is not Spain. Goalless with 31 minutes on the clock.
Slightly scrappy from both sides in the last couple of moments with Howard Webb forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. The tempo has really dropped in the last few minutes, but that is no surprise with the temperature inside the stadium. Not too much from Torres thus far, who has been isolated in the Spanish attack.
Again it's good work from Marchisio as the midfielder curls a cross into the Spain box, but Ramos is on his toes to clear the danger. A free kick arrives for Italy outside the box moments later, but Pirlo's delivery is hooked clear by Iniesta. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Another counter from Italy threatens to bring the opening goal as Pirlo finds Candreva down the right, but Alba just manages to clear at the vital moment. It must be said that Gilardino has been fantastic in this first period. The experienced striker has been a willing runner on each occasion. Not too much possession for Spain in the last few moments with Italy again taking control.
CHANCE! Oh my word. Another golden chance for Italy as Maggio meets a cross from Giaccherini at the far post, but somehow he heads straight into the arms of Casillas. It would be no exaggeration to say that Italy could be three goals ahead in this first period. They cannot keep spurning such clear opportunities.
CHANCE! Spain's first real chance of the match falls to Torres as the striker turns in the box before flashing an effort towards goal, but it just moved wide of the post. What an opening 40 minutes we have had in this heat. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Spain just cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment with Iniesta and Xavi struggling to find that elusive final pass. Pedro bursts into life for the European champions down the left, but again the final pass is wayward. You just wonder whether Italy can keep up this level of performance throughout the match. Not too much more football to come in the first period as we approach the latter stages.
Iniesta again attempts to go alone as he collects possession outside the box before driving into the Italy area, but the danger is cleared. De Rossi strikes a powerful effort from outside the box down the other end, but Casillas is on hand to make the save. Spain have some work to do at the interval there is no question about that.
HALF-TIME: Spain 0-0 Italy
So there we have it. No added time at the end of the half with Howard Webb bringing the first period to an end. Well, the score shows 0-0, but it does not tell the whole story. Italy have been the best side by some distance, but will they be made to regret spurning three or four golden chances? Spain just have not started this evening.
STATISTICS: Spain have had more of the possession with 58%, but they have managed just two attempts to Italy's five. Maggio came closest to opening the scoring with a header at the back post, but Casillas was across to make a fine save. Vicente del Bosque has some serious work to do at the interval.
BENCH WATCH: Spain have an embarrassment of riches on their bench this evening, with Javi Martinez, David Villa, Cesc Fabregas, Juan Mata, Roberto Soldado, Santi Cazorla and Jesus Navas all available. Italy, meanwhile, have the likes of Sebastian Giovinco, Stephan El Shaarawy, Alessio Cerci and Alessandro Diamanti in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Right, both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Change for Italy at the interval with Montolivo replacing Barzagli. Despite Italy's dominance, the only statistic that matters sees the score remain goalless. You have to think that Spain will improve as the match wares on, but can Italy keep up their level of performance? Italy get the second period underway in Brazil.
It appears that De Rossi has dropped into the middle of the Italian defence following that change of personnel. It was a surprise that Montolivo did not start, but he now has a chance to impress this evening. Bright early couple of minutes from the Italians as De Rossi looks for the run of Gilardino, but Casillas is out to claim at the vital moment.
Again it's bright running from Gilardino as the experienced striker moves beyond Ramos, but the offside flag is raised. Spain gather control of possession moments later, but still they cannot find a way through this stern Italian defence. But with the personnel in this Spanish side, you have to think that they will create chances at some point.
Half-chance for Iniesta as the Barcelona midfielder combines with Torres before striking an effort from close range, but it was always moving wide of the post. You get the impression that Del Bosque could make changes as this second period wares on. Not too much to report in terms of clear opportunities in the last few moments.
Again it's good work from Gilardino as the experienced striker collects possession outside the box before finding Maggio, but the midfielder cannot gather at the vital moment. The first Spanish change is indeed made as Manchester City's new signing Jesus Navas replaces Silva, who has been really poor this evening. As it stands, we are heading for extra time, but there is still a lot of football to be played.
Spain win their first corner of the match after 56 minutes as Navas drives down the right before playing possession off the back of Pirlo. The resulting set-piece is met by Ramos, but his header is wide of the post. Not too much to report in the opening 10 minutes of the first period, but Italy are still in the driving seat.
Navas is again involved down the right as the City winger drives past Chiellini, but the Juventus defender pulls him down. The resulting free kick is again met by Ramos, but again his header is wide of the post. Montolivo is involved down the other end as the midfielder drives a low cross into the box, but Casillas is out to claim. Little over 30 minutes of normal time remaining in Brazil.
It's good work from Torres as the Chelsea forward finds Navas on the edge of the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Buffon, who has had a very quiet evening thus far. Quieter than he could ever have imagined. Maggio is involved down the right moments later down the other end, but his cross is cleared by Ramos. Slightly scrappy match with 61 minutes on the clock.
A really poor pass from Pedro brings Del Bosque onto his feet as he issues instructions to Torres, who has hardly seen the ball in the second period. Just a reminder that both sides have made one change in the opening 63 minutes of this match. In truth, this second period has just not got started. Neither team has come close to opening the scoring since the interval. Are we heading for extra time?
Half-chance for Spain as Iniesta drives past two defenders before moving to the edge of the box, but his final effort is well wide of the post. The Barcelona midfielder has scored in each of the last two major finals for his country, but he has been frustrated thus far this evening. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining, still we await the opening goal.
Again Iniesta is involved for Spain as he combines with Xavi before floating a cross into the box, but Buffon rises to claim under pressure from Torres. Italy attempt to break down the other end with Marchisio, but Arbeloa comes across to fell the midfielder. Not too much in terms of an attacking threat from Italy in this second period.
An injury for Marchisio allows both sets of players to take on some fluid, which is crucial in this type of heat. A half-chance comes to Marchisio as the midfielder meets a cross from Candreva, but Pique is across to make the challenge. The resulting corner comes in from Pirlo, but again the danger is cleared. Still we await the opening goal of the evening.
Good spell for Italy in the last couple of moments with their midfield taking control of the possession. Eventually a half-chance comes to Candreva inside the box, but his effort is blocked by Ramos. Spain just cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. Little under 20 minutes of normal time remaining in this second semi-final.
Again Pirlo causes concern to the Spanish defence with a wonderful free kick into the box, but Ramos is on hand to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is met by the head of Chiellini, but the centre-back can only head over the crossbar. Both managers still have two changes remaining should they wish to alter proceedings.
Half-chance for Pedro this time as the Barcelona winger collects a pass from Xavi before driving into the Italy box, but Buffon is out to quell the danger. The tempo has certainly dropped in this second period with the heat a concern for both sides. Will we have some late drama between these two European rivals?
Italy continue to dominate possession in the Spain half, with Ramos forced into action on a number of occasions. Marchisio attempts to find the run of Giaccherini moments later, but Casillas is quick off his line to quell the danger. Both sides are preparing changes with little over 10 minutes of normal time remaining.
The changes are indeed made as Juan Mata replaces Pedro for Spain, while Italy introduce former Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani in place of Marchisio, who has been struggling in the last couple of moments. Can either sub inspire their team in the final stages of this match? As it stands we are heading for extra time.
Good possession for Spain in the last couple of moments with Torres and Navas both firing high balls into the box, but twice Buffon is on hand to claim under pressure. Torres attempts to find Iniesta moments later, but the midfielder just cannot collect. Italy attack down the other end moments later, but Casillas collects a driven cross from Candreva.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking intent in the last couple of moments with neither side prepared to commit too many bodies forward. Italy enjoy a period of possession in the middle of the park, but it breaks down with Gilardino. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining in this second semi final.
CHANCE! Oh my word what an opportunity for Spain. Incredible chance for Pique as the Barcelona defender meets a low cross from Pedro, but he can only sweep his effort high and wide of the crossbar. That would have been game, set and match. Italy live to fight another day. Are we heading for extra time and possibly penalties?
Navas again tries his luck from outside the box, but it is straight into the arms of Buffon. It appears that both sides are settling for added time here with neither too concerned with committing players forward. Meanwhile, Howard Webb is once again forced to intervene following a number of challenges. Little under one minute of normal time remaining. It does appear that we are heading for the dreaded extra time.
Half-chance for Mata as the Chelsea midfielder turns in the box, but his effort is just wide of the post. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time and we are indeed into the second of those. It really is last chance saloon here.
FULL-TIME: Spain 0-0 Italy (match enters extra time)
So there we have it. The two sides cannot be separated in the 90 minutes of football, which leaves us heading for extra time. In truth, the second period was a slight non-event, but there is a place in the final on offer this evening. Who will blink first? Be sure to remain with us for extra time and possibly beyond.
Spain get the action underway in extra time. Just a reminder that both sides have made two changes apiece, but each still has a host of talent on the bench. Based on the match as a whole, Italy deserved to win, there is no question about that. However, they simply could not take their chances. One thing is for certain, the players on display will sleep well this evening.
Excuse me, Italy have indeed made their third change with Giovinco replacing Gilardino. His pace could prove problematic to Spain as this match enters its latter stages. In truth, I can see this match heading for penalties, but anything can happen. Early possession for Spain, but Italy continue to thrive on the counter attack.
Again it's good pace from Navas as the Manchester City winger bursts beyond Maggio before winning a corner. However, the resulting set piece from Xavi is punched clear by Buffon. Navas picks up possession outside the box, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. High tempo opening to additional time in these humid conditions in Brazil.
POST! How many more chances are Italy going to spurn?! This time it is Giaccherini who strikes an effort from inside the box, but it thumps against the post. Incredible opportunity. Moments later Spain make their third change as Torres is replaced by Javi Martinez, who appears to be playing in attack?!
Half-chance for Pique once more as the Barcelona defender collects possession in the box before striking an effort towards goal, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar. A corner arrives from Xavi, but Ramos is beaten in the air by Maggio. Suddenly the pace has picked up.
Another half-chance for Spain as Pique meets a cross from Xavi, but De Rossi just manages to make the block at the vital moment. Spain continue to put the pressure on as Ramos collects possession on the edge of the box, but he can only scoop over the crossbar. One-way traffic in the latter stages of extra time.
Good possession from Italy in the last couple of moments with Pirlo dictating the tempo from the middle of the park, but his legs do appear to have gone. Montolivo is a willing runner down the left moments later, but his cross is into the arms of Casillas. This first period of extra time has just flown past. Still we remain goalless.
Alba comes close to handing Spain the lead as he meets a ball from Iniesta before striking an effort from inside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Somehow the players have found a second wind here. Italy just need to take control of the possession here. Half-chance from a Spain free kick in the latter stages, but Xavi's effort is over the crossbar.
HALF-TIME EXTRA-TIME: Spain 0-0 Italy
So there we have it. Still these two sides cannot be separated. Both sets of players take on some fluid, but play will be switched straight round. Are we heading for penalties? Spain have looked the most likely in extra time.
Italy get the action underway in the second period of extra time. In truth, both sets of players look out on their feet here, but the show must go on. If there is not a goal in the next 15 minutes, then this match will be decided by penalties. Will we have late drama this evening?
Spain have taken control of the possession in this second period of extra time, with Italy doing their best to quell the threat from all areas. Pique and Ramos continue to venture forward at each opportunity, but without a recognised striker, there is no killer touch in the final third.
It does seem quite incredible that Javi Martinez was introduced to play in attack in extra time. What must David Villa and Roberto Soldado be feeling? The atmosphere inside the stadium is just stunning as we approach the final 10 minutes of football. Are we heading for penalties?
The Italians simply cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Spain continue to dominate possession in the final third. Half-chance for Mata as the Chelsea midfielder collects a pass from Martinez on the edge of the box, but he can only curl his effort wide of the post. Slight problem for Chiellini, meanwhile, as he hits the deck with cramp.
Decent spell of possession for Italy in the last couple of moment with Candreva winning two free kicks in quick succession outside the Spain box. The latter allows Pirlo the chance to float a cross into the box, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar. Little over five minutes of extra time remaining.
Nervy moment in the Italian defence as De Rossi decides to test the feet of Buffon under pressure from Martinez, but the Juventus goalkeeper does manage to clear at the vital moment. Giaccherini has the legs for Italy down the right, but his delivery is cleared by Ramos. The dreaded penalty shootout draws ever closer.
CHANCE! Double chance for Spain as Xavi rattles the post from outside the box, it falls to Martinez inside the box, but his effort is wide of the post. It appears that Buffon may have got the slightest of touches on that effort from Xavi. He has just saved his side. Penalties anyone?!
FULL-TIME EXTRA-TIME: Spain 0-0 Italy (match heads to penalties)
So, it comes down to this. The two sides could not be separated in normal or indeed extra time. It is time for penalties. Spain certainly pushed for the winner in the latter stages, but Italy now have the chance from 12 yards.
So, who will take the penalties for each side? Pirlo is a certain for Italy, while Spain have a number of capable players from 12 yards. Either Casillas or Buffon will be in hero in around 10 minutes time. We are almost ready.
GOAL! CANDREVA! Italy lead 1-0 as Candreva dinks a wonderful penalty down the middle. Stunning from the Lazio midfielder.
GOAL! XAVI! Same level of confidence from Xavi as the Barcelona midfielder thumps his effort into the back of the net. We are tied at 1-1 here.
GOAL! AQUILANI! Italy lead 2-1 as the former Liverpool midfielder fires his effort into the bottom corner. Casillas came close to making the save, but it just sneaked into the corner.
GOAL! INIESTA! Iniesta levels the score at 2-2 with a powerful penalty into the bottom corner.
GOAL! DE ROSSI! De Rossi makes no mistake from the spot as he sends Italy 3-2 ahead.
GOAL! PIQUE! The Barcelona defender makes it 3-3 with a cool penalty into the bottom corner.
GOAL! GIOVINCO! The Juventus forward steps up to fire his penalty into the bottom corner. Italy lead 4-3.
GOAL! RAMOS! The Real Madrid defender fires a fine effort into the top corner. We are four from four here.
GOAL! PIRLO! Incredible penalty from the Juventus midfielder as he strokes a low effort into the bottom corner. Just stunning.
GOAL! MATA! Mata sends his effort into the same corner as Pirlo. We are level at 5-5 here.
GOAL! MONTOLIVO! Montolivo hits the same corner to send Italy 6-5 head. Next up for Spain is Busquets.
GOAL! BUSQUETS! The Barcelona midfielder does indeed find the bottom corner. Level at 6-6 here.
MISS! BONUCCI! The Italian defender sends his effort over the crossbar! Spain can win it here with Navas!
GOAL! NAVAS! Navas sends Spain into the final of the Confederations Cup with a cool penalty into the bottom corner.
SPAIN WIN 7-6 ON PENALTIES
So there we have it. Incredible end to this match as Navas steps up to send the decisive penalty into the bottom corner. It is so cruel on Italy, who had the best of it in normal time. But it is Spain that will face Brazil in the final on Sunday evening. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
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