SPAIN Casillas Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba Xavi, Busquets, Alonso Silva, Fabregas, Iniesta ITALY Buffon Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, Balzaretti Marchisio, Pirlo, De Rossi Montolivo Balotelli, Cassano Spain boss Vicente del Bosque is expected to have a fully-fit squad for the Euro 2012 final showdown with Italy. The 61-year-old’s biggest selection dilemma is likely to be over whether to field a recognised striker after Alvaro Negredo’s anonymous performance in the semi-final win over Portugal. With Fernando Torres seemingly out of favour, and with Fernando Llorente yet to make an appearance at the tournament, Cesc Fabregas could be restored to a ‘false nine’ role up front alongside Andres Iniesta and David Silva. Italy defender Ignazio Abate, who missed the semi-final win over Germany with a muscle injury, is likely to return to fitness in time for the final, while fellow full-back Christian Maggio is also available after serving a one-match ban. Coach Cesare Prandelli may persist with the same formation that served him well against the Germans rather than revert to the unorthodox 3-5-2 line-up used in the opening match against Spain. AC Milan-bound Riccardo Montolivo is likely to keep his place in the team ahead of Thiago Motta after an assured performance in the semi-final. Spain are bidding to become the first team in history to win three successive major tournaments (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012) and the first to retain the Henri Delaunay trophy. La Roja are contesting their fourth European Championship final (1964, 1984, 2008 and 2012). They have lost just one (1984). Vicente del Bosque’s side are 19 competitive games without defeat and have won their last nine knockout matches at major tournaments without conceding a goal. However, the Iberian outfit have not registered a competitive win over Italy in nearly a century (with their penalty shoot-out success in the quarter-final of Euro 2008 classed as a draw). Their record in 11 previous meetings is W1, D5, L5, with the sole victory coming in the sides’ first ever encounter at the 1920 Olympic games. Italy are competing in their third European Championship final (1968, 2000, 2012). They have won just one (1968). The Azzurri are facing Spain for the 31st time, with their record in prior encounters reading W10, D12, L8. The sides’ most recent meeting was in their opening match in this tournament, which finished as a 1-1 draw. Italy have won just two of their last eight matches in regulation time, but are yet to lose a competitive fixture under Cesare Prandelli. With his double against Germany, Mario Balotelli (pictured right) became the first Italian to score three goals at a single European championship.

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Spain – Italy Preview: La Roja looking to make history in Euro 2012 finale