Spain faces Italy on Thursday in the 2013 Confederations Cup semifinals. The match begins at 3 p.m. ET. Tune in to ESPN or watch the live stream HERE.
World Champions Spain meets Italy on Thursday in a rematch of their Euro 2012 Final win, Sky Sports reports. Spain's 4-0 win over Italy secured them back-to-back European championships.
Italy, meanwhile, has the opportunity to avenge last year's rout by defeating Spain and advancing to the Confederation Cup Final. Their defense has improved, but still has gaps, as was evident in the club's last match against Brazil, who won 4-2. Italy did, however, look solid against Mexico and Japan.
Spain defender Alvaro Arbeloa believes Thursday will be different from the last time the two teams met.
"I don't think they will be the same side we faced in the final of the Euros, though," Arbeloa told reporters. "They were a bit more carefree and wanted more of the ball so that was better for us.
"It's not the Italy team that used 'catenaccio,' where seven or eight players piled back into the defence. This Italy side is full of technically gifted players, with (Andrea) Pirlo there to bend the team to his will.
"This is indeed a different Italy side, but all that matters is that we maintain our own style of play."
Italy may not be able to play at full strength. Striker Mario Balotelli is out after flying back to Milan with a leg injury. Full-back Ignazio Abate and goalie Salvatore Sirigu are doubtful for Thursday.
