Spain

London’s calling and the first of two semi-finals at Wembley Stadium is the clash between two giants of world football. Italy have won all five of their games in the tournament, although they were far from convincing in their round of 16 victory after extra time. They subsequently held on to prevail over Belgium and are slightly favoured by most observers to reach the final at the expense of Spain. It’s worth remembering that at the Euro 2012 final, La Roja demolished the Azzurri 4-0 and then four years later at the round of 16 in a reversal, the latter won 2-0. Spain struggled early in the group stage and then found their mojo with 12 goals in three winning matches. However, defensively they have been vulnerable and will need to tighten up to withstand their opponents’ fluent attack led by Lorenzo Insigne. In a very close and potentially fiery encounter, I’m looking forward to some Alvaro Morata and Ferran Torres sweet finishing on the way to ultimate victory.