Spain v Italy
Spain came into this tournament a physically and mentally fragile team. As the tournament's worn on, there's no question that they look tired and drained. Can they push out one final performance to take out an unprecedented third major international title in a row? The Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup winners are looking at becoming the first side to ever win back-to-back European Championships, but they'll have the toughest of tasks in achieving it.
Their midfield looked all over the place against Portugal. They couldn't find a rhythm, and their passing and possession stats showed that they were well down on their tournament average. Players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta haven't been able to control games like they have in the past, while David Silva has barely influenced a match this whole tournament. Meanwhile their forwardline looks non-existent. It's incredibly dysfunctional when they set up an attack, and it's a worrying sign for Vicente del Bosque.
Meanwhile for Italy, it's all coming together at the right time. They've played the best football at this tournament, and they thoroughly deserve to be in this Final. Andrea Pirlo has just about been the bet player so far, and a Golden Ball awaits him if he puts in a good shift tonight.
Their defence has looked solid, their midfield has been sublime, and their strike force, led by the enigmatic Mario Balotelli, has been able to produce goals. Whether they can bring all of that together on the biggest stage is the only question left to be asked.
These two sides met in the group stages of this competition, where they couldn't be separated in a 1-1 draw. Antonio Di Natale came off the bench to put Italy in front, following a wonderful assist from Pirlo, before Fabregas hit back just moments later from a nice Silva pass.
Will they be separated this time around? I'm not sure. I think it will be cagey, and very tight, but I think we'll see a goal eventually, even if it is after extra time.
Prediction: Spain 1-0 Italy (A.E.T)
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