Fernando Hierro gave his views on Spain-Italy. “Giorgio Chiellini is a big loss, Andrea Belotti is lethal, but Lorenzo Insigne can be decisive.”
The World Cup qualifier kicks off at the Bernabeu in Madrid tonight at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
While the Azzurri had been leaning towards a 3-4-1-2 system, Chiellini’s calf injury seems to have pushed Giampiero Ventura towards 4-2-4.
Fernando Hierro gave his views on Spain-Italy. “Giorgio Chiellini is a big loss, Andrea Belotti is lethal, but Lorenzo Insigne can be decisive.”
The World Cup qualifier kicks off at the Bernabeu in Madrid tonight at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
While the Azzurri had been leaning towards a 3-4-1-2 system, Chiellini’s calf injury seems to have pushed Giampiero Ventura towards 4-2-4.
“Chiellini is a big loss for Italy, not just for his experience, but also what he brings to the team,” Spain legend Hierro told the Corriere della Sera newspaper.
“The fact the Juventus defenders played so long together does help the Azzurri, but I still maintain Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique are the best centre-back pairing in the world. I would’ve said that even if Chiellini had been on the pitch tonight.”
Italy and Spain are joint top of their World Cup qualifying group, having drawn 1-1 in Turin and won every other match.
“Spain ought to reflect on the fact they didn’t win that game, because details make the difference. Italy have only one result that matters this evening and will come to Madrid without an inferiority complex.
“Belotti is a player who can decide games, but Spain know that full well and won’t be unprepared for him. I don’t think his first appearance at the Bernabeu will affect him too much.
“Insigne has quality, a change of pace and creativity. He is different to the others in the Italy squad and he can be lethal.
“Italy are playing to win and Spain need to be very careful. Nobody likes going toe-to-toe with the Azzurri. Ever.
“In terms of organisation and tactics, Italy were a superpower in the 1990s, they still are and always will be. With Cesare Prandelli first, then Antonio Conte and Giampiero Ventura, it looks like the Nazionale is dealt with like a club and has a recognisable style of football. That pays off in the long run.
“Spain won three tournaments in a row and that made history, there’s no doubt about it. Spain always had potential, but in a few short years they won everything they had dreamed of. Clubs continue their supremacy too and work well with the youth academies.
“Our football is perhaps more technical, as in Italy they focus more on tactics, but there is an evident evolution in Italy too.”