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Euro memories still fresh as Spain face World Cup clash in Italy

Xinhua, October 5, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Spanish national team will play perhaps the most vital game of their World Cup qualifying campaign on Thursday when they take on Italy in Turin.

After their 8-0 win over Liechtenstein which kicked off their qualifying campaign in September, the Spanish will travel with confidence.

However, they also have the memory fresh in their mind of how the Italians knocked them out of this summer's European Championships in France and although both sides have changed coaches since that game, memories of the 2-0 win for Italy are still fresh.

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui has seen Javi Martinez and Saul Niguez suffer injuries which have seen them drop out of the game and will be slightly worried by the poor club form shown by Sergio Ramos and Sergio Busquets in recent matches, as both have looked below their best for Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

However, the duo will be in a side made up of David de Gea in goal, with a defense of Jordi Alba, Dan Carvajal, Gerard Pique and Ramos. Busquets will shore up the midfield alongside Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta, Koke and David Silva, while Manchester City's David Silva and Chelsea forward, Diego Costa will play in attack.

Costa didn't play in the European Championships, but has made an excellent start to the season in England and will give the Spanish the aggression they were lacking in France over the summer. Endit