3 Big Questions for the Final

And so the day is finally here.  Euro 2012 has but one final act to play out: a mouth-watering Spain and Italy rematch to determine who lifts the Cup in Kiev.  As we are just hours from kickoff, let's look at the 3 big questions that will determine who wins Euro 2012.

1) Who starts up front for Spain?

Torres? Fabregas? Negredo?   Which Spain will manager Vicente Del Bosque opt for today?  Spain started with Cesc Fabregas in the 'false 9' role when Spain and Italy drew 1-1 in their group stage match up.  Although Fabregas did get the equalizing goal in that match, it was obvious that Torres' introduction made Spain a bit more dangerous in attack.  We will soon discover whether Del Bosque believes that the impact was simply because of tired Italian legs, or whether it is a better option tactically to start with a true striker.

2) How does Italy line up defensively?

Italy has the same sort of question to answer as Spain.  Do they go with what got them the draw in their first match, or do they change it up?  Italy played in a 3-5-2 formation against Spain earlier in the tournament, however they have also played a traditional four man defense on a couple of occasions.  Italy have had success with both defensive tactics, so it will be interesting to see if Cesare Prandelli chooses the formation that worked initially against Spain, or the formation that they've had more recent success with.

3) Who wins the midfield battle?

We all know Spain will have more possession of the ball, as they always do.  But on which end of the field will Spain play their tiki-taka?  It's a difficult enough task getting the ball from Spain's ball control wizards (Xavi, Iniesta, David Silva), but it's even more difficult to keep the ball once you do get it.  The Spanish swarm like wasps when the ball is lost, and once you get past the wasps you have to get beyond the world class midfield brawn in Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso.

However, if there's any midfield that can challenge Spain, it is Italy's.  Andrea Pirlo has been the player of the tournament thus far, orchestrating this Italian midfield without a single drop of sweat.  He will have to be at his best once again today if the Italians want to have any hope of winning this midfield battle.