Italy and Spain continued their preparations for Euro 2016 with an international friendly on Thursday night in Udine.
The home side had the better of the first period, but the pair entered the interval on level terms.
Italy struck first in the 68th minute through Lorenzo Insigne, but Spain were back on level terms just two minutes later when Aritz Aduriz netted his first international goal for La Roja.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
6.46pmEvening all! Sports Mole's live international coverage continues from Udine as Italy welcome Spain in what is a glamour friendly. There are no points or prizes on offer tonight, but it is a chance for players to impress their respective managers ahead of Euro 2016. Italy will also be out for revenge having lost their last three fixtures against La Roja. Here's to an entertaining game between the two European countries!
6.49pmAs touched upon, Spain have been victorious in each of the last three fixtures between the two teams. That run includes a 4-0 win in the final of Euro 2012 and a penalty success at the 2013 Confederations Cup following a 0-0 draw. Spain also recorded a 1-0 victory when the two nations met in an international friendly in March 2014. I shall have the team news for you in a few minutes!
6.52pmOverall, Spain and Italy have faced off on 29 occasions. Spain have 11 wins to their name, Italy eight, while the remaining 10 fixtures have finished level. Not since August 2011 have Italy beaten Spain and that was in a friendly. In fact, you have to go back to the 1994 World Cup to find the last time that Italy beat Spain (2-1) in a competitive match. La Roja have the edge over the Italians.
6.55pmRight, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news. Who do Antonio Conte and Vicente del Bosque want to take a look at tonight? Let's find out shall we...
6.58pm
Dressing rooms ready ahead of #ITASPA! Kick-off in under an hour. pic.twitter.com/j72zi20Vpr
— Italy (@azzurri) March 24, 2016
7.02pmTEAMS:
ITALY: Buffon; Astori, Bonucci, Darmian; Giaccherini, Parolo, Motta, Florenzi; Eder, Pelle, Candreva
SPAIN: De Gea; Juanfran, Pique, Ramos, Azpilicueta; San Jose, Fabregas, Thiago; Mata, Aduriz, Morata
7.05pmItaly boss Antonio Conte recalled Thiago Motta to his squad earlier this month and the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has been selected in a midfield that also included Emanuele Giaccherini and Marco Parolo, while it is Southampton's in-form striker Graziano Pelle at the tip of the attack. A 3-4-3 formation will also see Manchester United's Matteo Darmian start as a centre-back in Udine.
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7.08pmAs for Spain, Aritz Aduriz is given his first cap for La Roja since 2010, while David de Gea is chosen between the sticks ahead of Iker Casillas. Mikel San Jose also joins Athletic Bilbao teammate in the starting XI. Arguably, Vicente del Bosque's starting defence for Euro 2016 is also in place as Cesar Azpilicueta joins Juanfran, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos at the back. Alvaro Morata also makes the starting team.
7.11pmSo there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now around 35 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Udine. I will speak about Spain a little bit later, but let's start with Italy, who not many are tipping for European glory this summer. They have actually only won one European Championship and that was back on home soil in 1968 - that is surprising for a nation of their talent.
7.14pmAs mentioned, they reached the final of Euro 2012 before being thumped by Spain, but they have gone out in the group stages of the European Championships in two of their last five attempts. It seems strange that a country that has been able to win the World Cup on four separate occasions has been unable to really make their mark in the European Championships. They have gone under the radar a little bit in the build-up to Euro 2016, but will be desperate to bounce back from the 2014 World Cup.
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7.17pmIndeed, the Azzurri surprisingly failed to make it out of the group stages in the last World Cup, but one look at their current squad suggests that they should perform much better in France this summer. Conte's side actually breezed through their qualification group – topping the section with 24 points. They won seven of their 10 Group H matches and were not beaten in the process.
7.20pmSince beating Norway 2-1 in their final qualifier, Italy have played two friendlies. A 3-1 defeat occurred in Belgium on November 13, before they drew 2-2 at home to Romania four days later. At the moment, they have confirmed friendlies against Germany, Scotland and Finland before opening their tournament this summer against Belgium on June 13. It is all getting very, very close!
7.23pmLooking ahead to Euro 2016, Italy have been drawn into Group E alongside Belgium, Republic of Ireland and Sweden. On paper, they would fancy their chances of qualifying alongside Belgium, but Republic of Ireland and a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic will have something to say about that. Tonight will be a good indication of how the Italian squad is shaping up ahead of the showpiece event.
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7.26pmAs for Spain, they will be attempting to make it three straight European Championship titles this summer. They first won the competition back in 1964, but had to wait until 2008 to win a second title. A third arrived in 2012 and they will enter Euro 2016, alongside Germany, as the favourites, despite a very disappointing showing at the 2014 World Cup. They have a super squad, full of talent.
7.29pmLike Italy, Spain failed to make it out of the group stages of the last World Cup, but also like Italy, they breezed through their qualification section for the European Championships. La Roja won nine of their 10 Group C matches to finish five points clear of second-place Slovakia. Their schedule before Euro 2016 will see them face Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Korea Republic and Georgia in friendlies.
7.32pmVicente del Bosque's team have been drawn into Group D for this summer's competition alongside Croatia, Czech Republic and Turkey. They will be expected to top that group, but Croatia have a wonderful array of midfield talent and Czech Republic also have a habit of turning up at the big tournaments. It will be far from easy, but it would be a massive surprise if the reigning champions did not qualify.
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7.35pmSpain have only had one friendly since the end of their European Championship qualifying campaign, but that was an impressive 2-0 victory over England. On Sunday, they will travel to Romania and a number of players will be looking to impress. Sevilla's Sergio Rico and Barcelona's Sergi Roberto are the two cap-less players in the latest squad, but both start on the bench tonight.
7.38pmBoth of those nations are also expected to be without managers following the tournament in France. Conte will be stepping down as Italy boss to more than likely take control of Chelsea, while Del Bosque is also expected to stand down, although this has not been officially confirmed.
7.42pmA reminder of the two squads for tonight's match...
#ItaliaSpagna: le formazioni ufficiali!
— Nazionale Italiana (@Vivo_Azzurro) March 24, 2016
Calcio d'inizio alle 20.45, diretta #Rai1: https://t.co/cK9AKpIy0f#ITASPA pic.twitter.com/me9uILHr18
7.43pmTime for the national anthems. Spain first.
7.45pmThere will be a minute's silence before kickoff to remember those that perished in the terrorist attacks in Brussels earlier this week. Football stands together once again.
0 minKICKOFF! Here we go then - the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. No points or prizes on offer tonight, but it is a chance for both managers to have a look at their players ahead of Euro 2016. Right, it is Italy that get the first period underway tonight...
2 min... possession football for Italy in the early moments but they give it away to Morata, who races down the left and forces an early corner from Darmian. Spain are in all-white tonight in Udine.
4 minSan Jose looks to release Athletic Bilbao teammate Aduriz with a long pass over the top, but Buffon is out to clear at the vital moment. Italy have had most of the ball in the opening four minutes, but Spain look very dangerous on the counter as they look to work their way through the middle.
6 minPOST! Almost an own-goal from Ramos! Candreva races down the right for Italy before delivering a wicked cross towards the near post and Ramos turns onto his own post and behind!
8 minJust a few signs that Spain are warming to their task here as they enjoy a sustained period of possession, but Italy have a nice balance to their team tonight, with a 3-4-3 formation causing Spain some problems in the wide positions. It has been a lively opening eight minutes in Udine.
11 minConte is on his feet encouraging his team as Italy put the pressure on Spain and force the European champions into a couple of mistakes. All the players will be so keen to impress tonight that there is no danger of this turning into a boring friendly. It has been all-action football from both teams here.
13 minParolo puts in a very late challenge on Morata and is fortunate to escape a booking as Spain threatened to catch Italy on the counter. The resulting free kick is delivered by Fabregas, but it is far too strong and the home side have a goal kick. Plenty of short, snappy passing from both teams.
15 minThere have been a couple of challenges that would have brought yellow cards from the referee if this was not a friendly, that is for sure. No chance of either team taking this game lightly as both continue to make their mark. It has been a really enjoyable opening 15 minutes in a packed stadium.
17 minSAVE! Candreva unleashes a wonderful strike from outside the box and De Gea is forced to scramble across his goal and make the save. Excellent effort and a really smart stop there!
18 minCHANCE! Has to do better! Italy break away once again and Candreva delivers a stunning cross into Pelle, but the striker cannot make contact and Spain clear. Candreva is in the mood!
20 minOi! The linesman has just taken out Del Bosque! Accidentally of course, but that was hilarious.
23 minCHANCE! Another chance for Italy as Pelle slides a smart pass into Eder, but the striker cannot find a route past De Gea, who gets down to make the save. Another brilliant move there!
25 minCHANCE! Italy come close once again as Candreva delivers a super cross towards Giaccherini, but the wing-back's effort is blocked by Ramos. Italy should be ahead here.
27 minThere is a 'Mexican Wave' going around the stadium at the moment, but that is very harsh on this match. That is usually saved for boring encounters, which is not the case thus far tonight.
29 minMexican Wave...
There it goes, the 1st Mexican Wave of the night at the Stadio Friuli. #ITAESP #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/2Q33ZXxtIj
— Ben Gladwell (@UEFAcomBenG) March 24, 2016
31 minI know that this is a friendly, but the referee must be getting close to issuing a card as late challenges continue to arrive all over the park. The latest foul brings Italy a free kick some 40 yards from goal and Candreva takes it on, but his chipped effort is deflected into the arms of De Gea.
33 minPelle seemingly does brilliantly to keep a long pass in play before chipping the ball back to Eder, but the referee points for a goal kick, much to the frustration of the Southampton striker. It must be said that Italy have been easily the more threatening in the final third. Spain have struggled in attack here.
36 minWe have not seen too much from Aduriz in the opening 36 minutes of this match, but the striker has struggled for service in the final third. He has 31 goals for Bilbao this season and knows where the back of the net is, but the likes of Mata and Fabregas have been quite disappointing thus far here.
38 minThis might be a friendly, but there is nothing friendly about some of the challenges flying in at the moment as both teams battle for control of the ball. Italy have been the better side tonight, but the scoreline remains 0-0 in Udine. Just a reminder that we are expecting plenty of substations tonight!
39 minCLOSE! Morata slides a wonderful pass beyond the Italian defence and towards the waiting Aduriz, but it is just too strong and Buffon is out to clear. Almost a beautiful link there!
40 minSAVE! Eder strikes a rising effort towards the Spain goal after a nice set-up from Pelle, but it was always comfortable for De Gea, who is then forced to get down and keep out Pelle.
43 minSpain are enjoying much more of the possession as we approach the final stages of this first period.
45 minBOOKING! Motta (Italy) is booked for a late challenge on Fabregas.
45 min+1HALF-TIME: Italy 0-0 Spain
8.35pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. There is no question that Italy have been the more productive in the final third, with De Gea forced into action on three separate occasions. Spain, meanwhile, have struggled in the opening 45 here.
8.40pmSTATS! Spain have shaded the possession with 53%, but incredibly, they did not manage a shot on target in that first 45 minutes. Italy, on the other hand, had five attempts - three of which were on target. Just the one booking and that came for Italy's Motta in the final minute of the first period.
8.45pmBENCH WATCH! Both managers are expected to utilise their benches in the second period and the likes of El Shaarawy, Insigne, Okaka and Zaza will all be hoping to get on the field for Italy. Spain, meanwhile, have the likes of Isco, Nolito, Alcacer, Koke, Pedro and David Silva in reserve here.
8.48pmMuch for Spain boss Del Bosque to ponder at the break...
© Getty Images
46 minRESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Will we have a breakthrough in Udine? Let's hope so! Spain resume the action...
46 min... SPAIN SUBS! Koke and Nacho have replaced Ramos and Mata for the visitors.
47 minNo half-time changes for Italy, but both managers can make six substitutions in the second period. Well, Spain now have four left. Let's hope to see some goals in this second 45 minutes here.
49 minLively work from Morata as the Spain forward forces Bonucci to turn the ball behind for a corner following a period of pressure. Koke delivers the resulting set piece, but Pelle is on hand to make the clearance and Italy break away down the left, only for Juanfran to come across and clear.
51 minNot too much to report in terms of chances in the early moments of this half and there is a danger that the pace will slow as both managers make changes as play develops in Udine.
51 minITALY SUB! Insigne replaces Eder for the home side.
53 minPossession football for Spain as they look to find a route though this Italian defence, which is very strong and has been throughout this match. The game has been short of quality in the final third.
55 minIt is all very bitty at the moment as both teams struggle to make their mark in the final third. In fairness, both defences have been very good tonight and mistakes have been minimal at the back.
57 minLittle over 30 minutes of this international friendly remaining and in truth, the second period has been a little bit disappointing. Both defences are on top and both attacks are struggling a touch.
59 minSAVE! Wonderful work from Insigne as the attacker works some space outside the Spain box, but his powerful effort is pushed wide of the post by De Gea. From the resulting corner, Bonucci makes contact, but his header is just wide. Two brilliant chances for the home team!
60 minITALY SUBS! Pelle and Candreva are replaced by Bernardeschi and Zaza.
61 minSPAIN SUB! Isco replaces Thiago in Spain's third change of the match.
63 minSAVE! Again De Gea is forced into action for Spain as he gets down to keep out a strike from Florenzi. It was another excellent stop from the Manchester United goalkeeper!
65 minLittle over 25 minutes of this international friendly remaining and we are still waiting for the first goal. Both managers, meanwhile, still have three permitted changes remaining in Udine.
68 minNeither team is really in control of proceedings at the moment as they continue to exchange possession in the middle of the park. You get the feeling that one goal would be enough to win the match and Italy are looking the more likely. Spain, to be honest, have been quite poor tonight.
68 minGOAL! Italy 1-0 Spain (Insigne)
69 minBrilliant goal! Italy take the lead 20 minutes from time as Giaccherini delivers a fine ball into Insigne, who stretches and pokes the ball past De Gea from close range. They deserve it as well!
69 minBOOKING! Parolo (Italy) is booked for a late challenge on Morata.
70 minGOAL! Italy 1-1 Spain (Aduriz)
71 minSpain level the scores in the 70th minute as Aduriz fires home from close range after Buffon had kept out a header from Morata. It is the striker's first international goal!
71 minSPAIN SUB! Silva replaces Aduriz for Spain.
73 minBOOKING! Pique (Spain) is booked for a late challenge on Zaza.
76 minWell, this match has suddenly exploded into life! Italy deservedly took the lead, but Spain answered straight back and we are now set-up for an exciting final 15 minutes in Udine tonight.
78 minSAVE! Another super save from De Gea as the Spain stopper keeps out a chipped effort from Insigne, which looked to be heading for the top corner. De Gea has been so good tonight!
80 minSPAIN SUB! Alba replaces Juanfran for Spain.
81 minITALY SUB! Antonelli replaces Giaccherini for the home team.
83 minYou just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match as both teams continue to commit players in the final third. It has been much livelier since both managers made alterations here.
83 minBOOKING! Fabregas (Spain) is booked for a late challenge on Zaza.
85 minMorata strikes over the crossbar as Spain put the pressure on the Italian defence.
88 minLittle over two minutes of normal time remaining and it is still end-to-end football in Udine. Italy are having the majority of the possession, but Spain are still pressing forward on the counter-attack.
88 minSPAIN SUB! Morata is replaced by Alcacer for Spain.
90 minFlorenzi breaks down the right for Italy and delivers once again, but Pique is on hand to make the clearance. Perhaps one final chance for either side to collect a morale-boosting win tonight.
90 minITALY SUBS! De Silvestri and Jorginho replace Florenzi and Parolo.
90 min+1Three additional minutes to be played at the end of the 90.
90 min+3Alba collects at the far post following a super cross from Juanfran, but the ball just runs away from the Barcelona left-back and the home side manage to clear. Still 1-1 with 93 on the clock here.
90 min+4FULL-TIME: Italy 1-1 Spain
9.40pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close in Udine with the two teams level at 1-1. Insigne opened the scoring in the 68th minute, but Aduriz levelled just two minutes later. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Until next time!
