Spain Vs. Italy, Euro 2012: Lineups And Game Thread

Spain Lineup (4-3-3): Iker Casillas; Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa; Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez; Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva.

Italy Lineup (3-5-2): Gianluigi Buffon; Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Daniele De Rossi; Emanuele Giaccherini, Thiago Motta, Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, Christian Maggio; Antonio Cassano, Mario Balotelli.

I don't find Spain entertaining. I don't find Italy entertaining. With no Chelsea players in either lineup, Mario Balotelli is basically this match's only hope of redemption. And no, I don't want to hear about how awesome it is that Spain are playing a false nine against a back three.

PS: How many of you will I offend if I point out that Vicente del Bosque would apparently prefer playing with no striker at all than use Fernando Torres?