Spain vs. Italy, 2013 Confederations Cup: Lineups
Spain looks to reach the final of the 2013 Confederations Cup at the expense of Italy, the same team they defeated in the Euro 2012 final.
There were questions entering the Confederations Cup surrounding Spain and if they're relative stranglehold on international soccer was being weakened. Despite off the field issues and the media taking their best shots, La Roja have marched through to the semifinals and face a familiar foe in Cesare Prandelli and Italy.
Fernando Torres' form combined with Roberto Saldado's injury have the Chelsea striker up top for Spain. David Silva returns after not starting in the Nigeria match, returning Cesc Fàbregas to the bench. The Barcelona midfield trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets starts again, while Álvaro Arbeloa returns at right back.
Prandelli has brought back Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi, both of whom missed the match against Brazil with minor injuries. Mario Balotelli was sent home injured and is replaced up top by Alberto Gilardino. Christian Maggio replaces the injured Ignazio Abate who seriously hurt his shoulder in the loss against Brazil.
Spain starting lineup (4-3-3): Iker Casillas; Jordi Alba, Gerard Piqué, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa; Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta; Pedro Rodriguez, Fernando Torres, David Silva.
Italy starting lineup (3-4-2-1): Gianluigi Buffon; Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli; Emanuele Giaccherini, Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo, Christian Maggio; Claudio Marchisio, Antonio Candreva; Alberto Gilardino.
