Euro 2012 Live Stream: What to Watch for During England vs. Italy

England and Italy will meet for the fourth and final spot in the Euro 2012 semifinals on Sunday (2:45 PM ET, ESPN or stream live at ESPN3.com) in what is almost an impossible match to predict.

Both nations have played mistake-free football through the Group Stage and are worthy of a spot in the final four of this summer's tournament.

England have beaten Italy just once in the last 35 years though and will enter Sunday's showdown in Kiev, Ukraine as the slight underdog considering they were Euro dark horses before the tournament began this June. 

Regardless of the outcome though, here is what you should be watching for:

Stream England vs. Italy Live at ESPN3.com 

Steven Gerrard in Midfield

The English captain has three assists in three matches at Euro 2012, proving to be one of the world's best creators from the midfield.

Gerrard can score when given the opportunity, but with Manchester United forwards Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck each having scored once against the Ukraine and Sweden respectively, the 32-year-old Liverpool veteran will be called upon to hold the ball and produce chances from midfield. 

Mario Balotelli in the Final Third

There is no doubt that Italian striker Mario Balotelli can be a bit of a knucklehead from time to time, but he can also demonstrate flashes of brilliance that remind Italy coach Cesare Prandelli why he chose the 21-year-old for his Euro 2012 squad.

Balotelli scored on a superb goal against Ireland in Italy's Group C finale, showing that he is capable of producing at this summer's tournament. Balotelli will need to be in top form in the final third against England on Sunday to help Italy avoid the drama of extra time and penalty kicks. 

Joe Hart vs. Gianluigi Buffon

Both goalkeepers in Sunday's matchup have played well through their teams' first three Group Stage battles. English stopper Joe Hart has allowed three goals to Gianluigi Buffon's two. It will be interesting to see which keeper avoids a major mistake on Sunday, as the result of the quarterfinal matchup could very well hinge on it. 

Follow Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more on Euro 2012.