Down 1-0 and one Giorgio Chiellini, Italy need to reply against Spain. They have. In the 26th minute, they nearly catch out Iker Casillas with a long cross which the goalkeeper touches away, but not far enough. The captain's relieved to see the ball crash off Jordi Alba rather than Mario Balotelli, and he's able to recover.
Spain Vs. Italy, Euro 2012 Final: Italy Crank Up Pressure
But Spain's play has dropped off since David Silva's goal and they're making some basic mistakes. Even Xavi Hernandez is being sloppy in possession, giving the ball away to Daniele de Rossi -- who's been absolutely sublime this tournament -- in the centre circle and eventually the Roma midfielder's able to ping the ball with to Antonio Cassano. He's able to drive towards the goal and nutmeg both Alvaro Arbeloa and Gerard Pique, but Casillas gets down to collect.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper is somewhat harder-pressed to keep out another effort a few minutes later from long range, but his punch avoids any blue shirts and Spain can escape.
We have live coverage of the match in our Spain vs. Italy, Euro 2012 StoryStream. For more on Euro 2012 and the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on Twitter.
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