5 Things Spain Coach Vicente Del Bosque Should Experiment with vs. Italy
On Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu, Spain host Italy in the last chance for Vicente del Bosque to assess his players ahead of naming the World Cup squad. With a number of regulars named for the encounter, those missing are sure to feel a real sense of disappointment.
The likes of Fernando Torres, Roberto Soldado and Juan Mata have not been called upon and face a difficult task of getting back into the manager's thinking, though Del Bosque was quick to reassure those not involved.
"This is just a squad to play Italy, not for the World Cup," Del Bosque pointed out to reporters. "Some players not on this list have a lot of merit."
It's not just individual players that need to be judged by the coach. Combinations, formations and systems are equally important. Here are five things Del Bosque should experiment with against the Azzurri.
5. Find an Alternative to Pique and Ramos at Centre-Back
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There was plenty of controversy surrounding Sergio Ramos and Pique during the last tournament. "Piqué and me had differences but now the relationship is good," Ramos told reporters.
They are without doubt the standout central defenders for La Seleccion, but with injury to Gerard Pique currently ruling him out, it's the perfect opportunity to find a replacement centre-back should one be required.
Raul Albiol has been in top form for Napoli this season after moving from Real Madrid to gain regular playing time.
Meanwhile, Javi Martinez has alternated between holding midfield and a defensive position under Pep Guardiola, having been utilised primarily as a midfielder with Jupp Heynckes at Bayern Munich.
4. Jesus Navas at RIght-Back
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The right side of the defence has been a troublesome position for Spain in recent times.
Both of Real Madrid's right-backs, Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Arbeloa, have been left out this time around, whilst Juanfran still has his doubters. Cesar Azpilicueta changed Jose Mourinho's mind, but as a left-back.
It's likely that Azpilicueta will stake his claim for the position, though it would be worth giving the Manchester City wide man some game time further back.
Defensively he is sound, whilst his acceleration and pace would be a threat going forward. If Del Bosque uses two holders, they can afford another attacking player in a defensive area.
3. Try a Narrow 4-4-2
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Barcelona's shape against Manchester City at the Etihad stadium resembled something of a narrow 4-4-2, with Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Xavi all together in the centre.
Fabregas and Iniesta took turns on the left-hand side tracking the opposition and using the space vacated. This could be a useful tool for the national side with the aforementioned players all involved.
A false nine or a standard striker could be partnered with a winger that likes to cut inside, such as Pedro.
2. Let Italy Have the Ball
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A key component of Spain's success is their outlandish ability to keep possession against the very best teams in the world.
There may be times in the World Cup when they are unable to do this as they once did and it's worth adopting this approach strategically for 10-15 minutes in either half.
Under Cesare Prandelli, Italy now like to keep the ball more and play an untraditional Italian style.
Allowing teams to come onto them would allow Spain room to counter behind their opponents' defences.
1. Unleash Diego Costa
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Spain has a number of top strikers capable of doing a job, but in Diego Costa they have one on another level.
Injuries, loss of form and inconsistency have led Del Bosque to rely more on a striker-less system.
However, the Brazilian-born forward is among the top five out-and-out strikers in world football at present. His tireless work rate and persistence could be key in three months' time.
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