Tonight's international friendly at the Vicente Calderon pitted European and world champions Spain against Italy.
La Roja had to wait until the 63rd minute to open the scoring through Barcelona attacker Pedro and despite late opportunities for both nations, that is how it remained at the home of Atletico Madrid.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
8.16pmEvening all! Our international friendly coverage continues on Sports Mole as European and world Champions Spain welcome Italy to the Vicente Calderon. While there is technically nothing to play for this evening, both sets of players will hope to impress their respective managers ahead of the World Cup in Brazil this summer. First, I shall bring you the team news for both nations.
8.19pmTEAMS:
SPAIN: Casillas; Azpilicueta, Martinez, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Thiago; Iniesta, Fabregas, Pedro; Costa
ITALY: Buffon; Maggio, Paletta, Barzagli, Criscito; Marchisio, Motta, Montolivo; Candreva, Osvaldo, Cerci
8.22pmOnly one place to start for Spain, with Diego Costa making his long-awaited debut for La Roja. The Atletico Madrid forward will gain support from Barcelona trio Andres Iniesta, Pedro and Cesc Fabregas. Meanwhile, Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta and Bayern Munich's Javi Martinez also start. Italy have Pablo Osvaldo leading their line. Gabriel Paletta comes in for his debut, while Alessandro Cerci and Antonio Candreva are also in the XI. Plenty of opportunities for fringe players to impress this evening.
8.25pmAs mentioned, the last time the two nations met was in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup last June. The tie finished goalless after 120 minutes of football, but Spain advanced 7-6 on penalties. That said, La Roja were humbled 3-0 in the final of the competition by hosts Brazil in Rio de Janeiro.
8.28pmOf the last five meetings, Spain have won twice, with Italy winning once and the further two fixtures ending in draws. Spain also won 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012, but Italy won 2-1 the last time that the two sides met in a friendly in 2011. That said, both squads certainly have a different look this time around.
11 - Spain have scored in 11 of their last 12 international friendly matches with Italy. Hit
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 5, 20148.31pmSpain, who will enter this summer's tournaments as one of the favourites, finished top of Group I in qualification for the World Cup. Vicente del Bosque's side won six of their eight matches, remaining unbeaten in the process. In truth, they were far from their best, but still scored 14 times and conceded just three on their way to comfortable qualification.
8.34pmSince then, La Roja have played two friendlies. They beat Equatorial Guinea 2-1 on November 16, but lost 1-0 to South Africa three days later. There is still a familiar look to their squad, but a number of newcomers have crashed the party, with Atletico Madrid's success at club level handing a number of their players opportunities to impress. None more so than a certain Diego Costa, who starts this evening.
8.37pmDel Bosque named just two out-and-out strikers in his squad for this particular match with Manchester City's Alvaro Negredo and Atletico's Costa both included. That meant disappointment for the likes of Fernando Torres, David Villa and Fernando Llorente, while Manchester United's Juan Mata also missed out on a call.
8.40pmLooking ahead to the World Cup this summer, Spain have been drawn in Group B alongside Netherlands, Chile and Australia. It is arguably one of the toughest sections, but they will be the favourites to advance as group winners. Anything less would be considered a failure for the defending champions.
8.43pmSpain boss Del Bosque is expected to name his final squad for the World Cup on May 25, making tonight's match the final clash before a decision is made. Prior to opening their group campaign against Netherlands on June 13, however, they face Bolivia in a friendly on May 29.
8.46pmItaly, meanwhile, also remained unbeaten in qualification for the World Cup. They topped Group B with 22 points, winning six of their 10 matches, scoring 19 times and conceding nine. In terms of the World Cup this summer, they have been drawn into Group D alongside Uruguay, Costa Rica and England.
8.49pmLike Spain, the Italy squad has a fresh look to it for this particular match with Ciro Immobile, Marco Parolo, Pablo Osvaldo, Alessio Cerci and Gabriel Paletta among the relative newcomers. The old guard is still very much apparent, but they are moving towards a more free-flowing style of football. Hopefully we are given a glimpse of that this evening. That depends on how much of the ball Spain let them have.
De momento quedan muchos espacios por cubrir en el Vicente Calderón, la @SeFutbol ya calienta #TikiTaka pic.twitter.com/bDWWNcQIF3
— Tiki-Taka (@tikitakatv) March 5, 20148.52pmSince securing qualification for the World Cup, Italy have played two friendlies. They drew 1-1 with Germany on November 15, 2013, before drawing 2-2 with Nigeria three days later. Following this match, they have friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Luxembourg before opening their World Cup group campaign against England on June 14. Little under 10 minutes until kickoff at the Vicente Calderon.
8.55pmPREDICTION: Italy certainly have players that could harm Spain, but I just worry whether they are going to see enough of the ball. Spain, meanwhile, have a real focal point in the shape of Costa, who will be keen to impress on his debut. My score prediction is a comfortable 2-0 Spain victory.
8.58pmHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, we will be ready to get the action underway. Wonderful atmosphere inside the Vicente Calderon this evening that is for certain.
0 minLess than 100 days until the start of the World Cup. While there is technically nothing to play for this evening, both sets of players will be keen to impress their respective managers. Prior to kickoff, there was a tribute for the recently passed Spain legend Luis Aragones, which was wonderfully observed. Let's hope for a cracker in the Spanish capital as Spain get the first 45 minutes underway.
2 minCHANCE! Opportunity inside two minutes for the home nation as Iniesta finds some space on the edge of the box before sliding a low pass towards Alba, who takes it in his stride before attempting to lift his effort over the goalkeeper, but Buffon is on hand to make a smart save at his near post.
4 minNot a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. As expected, Spain have taken control of the possession in the first four minutes. Not too much from Italy, however, who are just attempting to settle. Plenty of intent from La Roja with their passing extremely accurate in the final third.
5 minPOST! Italy come close to opening the scoring for the evening as Cerci drives past two defenders before lifting a cross towards the far post, but it smashes off the inside of the post before falling into the arms of Casillas. Wonderful start to this international friendly.
7 minIt really has been a wonderful start from Spain, with Pedro and Costa both involved. The latter looks for the former with a low cross, but Paletta is on hand to clear. Moments later, Pedro's cross is cleared by Motta. The pressure continues as Buffon is forced into a smart save from Pedro. Is this a friendly?!
10 minCerci has been extremely bright for the Italians in the early stages with the winger causing problems for Ramos, who commits a foul on the right. Cerci delivers the resulting free kick, but Javi Martinez is on hand to clear. Incredible intensity to this match at the moment as the play continues to flow from end-to-end.
12 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for Fabregas to convert for Spain as the Barcelona midfielder meets a bouncing ball inside the box, but his effort just moves high of the crossbar. Not too sure what Buffon was doing, with the veteran goalkeeper seemingly all over the place between the sticks.
14 minItaly just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Spain continue to force the issue around the edge of their penalty area. Pedro has been extremely lively with a couple of mazy runs and dangerous crosses, but Costa has been unable to beat either Criscito or Barzagli in an aerial battle thus far.
16 minIt has been a bright 16 minutes for Costa, with the Spain forward using his strength to win a corner following a through pass from Iniesta. The resulting set piece is delivered into the near post, but Osvaldo is on hand to clear the danger. Utter domination from the European and world Champions, but still goalless.
18 minItaly gain a free kick in a promising position as Osvaldo wins a free kick from Ramos some 30 yards from goal. The resulting set piece is played short, however, and it comes to nothing. Just a few signs that the Italians are starting to settle into proceedings after being starved of the ball thus far.
21 minSpain continue to threaten in wide positions with Alba offering plenty of width down the left, but his crossing has been slightly wayward thus far. Italy have certainly started to get a grip in the middle of the park, but we have seen little from the likes of Candreva, Marchisio and Maggio in the opening 21 minutes.
23 minAnother half-chance for the home nation as Pedro finds Iniesta with a sweeping pass. The midfielder cuts inside before striking on goal, but Buffon is on hand to make the save. The pressure continues with Pedro moments later, but he is forced inside and eventually the danger is cleared. Better from the Italians.
25 minSlightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. The atmosphere has just dropped inside the stadium following a quiet period of the match, but Spain continue to pass and probe in the final third. Still goalless after 25 minutes.
26 minCHANCE! Clear opportunity for Spain as Azpilicueta drives down the right before finding Fabregas just inside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
29 minItaly continue to defend impressively with Paletta in particular involved in a couple of brilliant clearances. Costa has another sight of goal after a low cross from Iniesta, but the Roma centre-back is across to clear the danger. Not too much from the away side as an attacking threat, however, with the likes of Osvaldo and Cerci both struggling for possession of the ball.
30 minCHANCE! Just as I say that Osvaldo has not been involved, he comes alive on the edge of the Spain box. His first touch takes him past Ramos, but he curls one just wide of the post. Much better.
32 minOsvaldo is involved once more as the Italian forward drives down the right before taking on Alba, but his low cross is deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered towards Osvaldo, but Ramos is on hand to clear the danger. It remains goalless with little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
34 minNot much of a tempo from Spain in the last five minutes or so with Italy on the front foot. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be important in terms of the final result. Italy continue to grow in confidence in forward areas, but Spain, like Italy, have defended well thus far.
37 minNot too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with the tempo dropping from both sides. Just a reminder that six changes are permitted for both teams and both managers will already be considering alterations. One thing is for certain, there is an abundance of quality on the sidelines this evening.
39 minUntidy period of the match for Costa with the Atletico forward twice giving possession away in quick succession. Spain have just started to dominate once more as they pass and probe outside the Italy box, but another move comes to an end when Costa cannot return an Iniesta pass in the tightest of areas.
41 minThe referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges, which has further harmed the tempo of the match. Not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium and truth be told, not too much happening on the pitch. We are in need of some inspiration.
43 minSlight problem for Iniesta as the Spain midfielder clashes with Maggio, but he is deemed fit to continue. Italy enjoy a period of possession in the Spain half moments later following bright work from Cerci, but once more the move comes to an end just outside the box. Little over two minutes of the first period remaining.
45 minHALF-TIME: Spain 0-0 Italy
9.49pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two nations level at 0-0. Spain started brightly with Pedro in impressive form, but Italy have certainly grown into the first period. Changes are expected at the interval with six permitted for each side.
9.54pmSTATISTICS: Spain have dominated the possession with 72%, while they have had nine attempts to Italy's one. Although the home nation have enjoyed more of the ball in dangerous areas, Italy have come the closest to scoring with Cerci's cross striking the inside of the post in the early exchanges.
9.59pmBENCH WATCH: La Roja have an embarrassment of riches on their bench this evening in the shape of Alonso, Cazorla, Koke, Navas, Negredo, Silva and Xavi. Meanwhile, Italy have the likes of Destro, Gilardino, Immobile, Insigne and Pirlo in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
46 minHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Neither manager will be too disappointed with what they have seen thus far, but Spain have struggled to find that elusive pass in the final third. Let's hope for more incidents as Italy get the second 45 minutes underway at the Calderon.
48 minChanges for both sides at the interval. Pirlo, Abate and De Sciglio all enter for Italy in place of Maggio, Crisito and Candreva, while Spain introduce Valdes, Alonso and Silva in place of Casillas, Busquets and Fabregas. Bright start to the second period from the host nation, but Italy continue to defend impressively.
50 minOpportunity for Spain to threaten from a free kick as Silva is brought to the ground by Abate just outside the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Thiago, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner.
51 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Silva threads a pass towards Thiago inside the Italy box, but Buffon is on hand to make a fine save at the vital moment. Best chance of the night for Spain.
53 minSpain continue to knock on the door as Silva meets a loose ball inside the box, but his effort is just wide of the post. The home nation have certainly upped the pace in the last few moments with Italy struggling for possession of the ball. However, it remains goalless with 53 minutes on the clock.
56 minAnother half-chance for the home side as Silva finds some space on the edge of the box before rolling a low pass towards Pedro, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Moments before, Pirlo finds Osvaldo inside the Spain box, but Ramos is on hand to clear at the vital moment. End-to-end football.
58 minThe play has just opened up in the last few moments with both sides committing numbers in the final third. However, both defences remain tight and compact. Spain continue to enjoy more of the ball with Alonso and Silva both heavily involved, but Costa just slices across the face of goal following bright work from Silva.
60 minHalf-chance for Spain as Silva finds some space outside the box before attempting to strike one towards the top corner, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. We are getting to the stage of the match where both managers will be considering more alterations.
63 minItaly make their fourth change of the match as Motta is replaced by Sunderland attacker Giaccherini. Spain break forward with Iniesta moments later before the Barcelona midfielder finds Silva, but the Manchester City attacker just loses possession at the final moment.
63 minGOAL! Spain 1-0 Italy (Pedro)
64 minSpain open their tally for the evening as Pedro latches onto a loose ball inside the box before thumping his effort into the bottom corner. Poor from Buffon, however, who got hands on it.
66 minPedro has been the best player on the park this evening and it is no surprise that he has opened the scoring. Italy break down the other end with Montolivo moments later and force a free kick following a poor challenge from Martinez. Before it is taken, however, Spain make their fourth and fifth changes with Iniesta and Ramos replaced by Navas and Albiol.
68 minCHANCE! Opportunity for the away side as Pirlo finds Paletta with a deep free kick inside the Spain box, but Alba is on hand to make a fine block at the vital moment. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals at the Vicente Calderon.
70 minSpain continue to threaten in the final third as Pedro finds Costa inside the box, but once more Paletta is on hand to make a fine challenge. Moments later, Italy make another change as Immobile replaces Osvaldo, who has impressed this evening. Little over 20 minutes of football to play, with Spain still leading 1-0.
72 minSlightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a number of late challenges in the middle of the park. Spain continue to dominate the ball, however, with Silva and Alonso certainly making a difference at the interval. No clear opportunities to speak of, however.
75 minPenalty shout for Italy as Immobile goes down inside the box under pressure from Albiol, but the referee is not interested. The away nation continue to threaten in wide areas as Montolivo delivers towards the six-yard box, but Martinez is on hand to clear. Still 1-0 Spain with 75 minutes on the clock in the Spanish capital.
77 min
22 - Average positions of the first international game played by Diego Costa for Spain. Courage. pic.twitter.com/ElXOBnqTsD
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 5, 201479 minImmobile continues to impress for Italy as the forward meets a through pass from Pirlo, but the offside flag had been raised. Not too much in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, however, with Spain guilty of some loose passing in the final third. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
81 minIt must be said that Paletta has been brilliant for the away side this evening, with Costa finding it difficult against the centre-back. Immobile is again involved for Italy following a deep cross from Abate, but Albiol manages to clear at the vital moment. Much better from Italy in the final third.
83 minCHANCE! Costa's first real chance arrives in the final 10 minutes as the Atletico forward turns inside the Italy box before striking one towards the bottom corner, but it flashes past the post.
85 minSpain look to their bench for the sixth time this evening as Cazorla enters the field in place of Pedro, who has been the star man this evening there is no question about that. Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last few moments as Spain near a 1-0 win in Madrid. Is there to be late drama?
87 minCHANCE! Almost an immediate impact from Cazorla as the Arsenal midfielder is found inside the Italy box by Silva, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. One-way traffic with 87 minutes on the clock. However, the away nation remain a threat on the counter attack.
89 minYou just get the feeling that there is one final chance in the remaining minutes of this match. Italy continue to force the issue in wide positions, but their final delivery has been short of the required standard in the second period. I shouldn't think that the referee will add too much stoppage time.
90 min+2The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Italy force a corner following bright work from Abate, but Alonso just manages to turn a dangerous cross from Montolivo wide of the post. Almost a late equaliser for Italy.
90 min+3CHANCE! Navas's first real involvement comes in the Italy half as he drives to the edge of the box before striking an effort on goal, but Buffon is on hand to make the save.
90 min+4FULL-TIME: Spain 1-0 Italy
10.54pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the contest to an end with Pedro's goal the difference at the Vicente Calderon. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick with us for reaction from tonight's international fixtures. Until next time!
