Spain vs. Italy Euro 2012: 10 Keys for Italy to Beat Spain

After a thrilling win over Germany in the semifinals of Euro 2012, Italy is one step away from being crowned champions of Europe for the second time.

All that stands between the Italians and the finish line is the gigantic red mass known as Spain.

The two squads met in the first match of Group C, which ended in a 1-1 draw after goals from Antonio Di Natale and Cesc Fabregas.

It was a different time, even if it was less than a month ago.

Then, the Italians were embroiled in the initial throws of another match-fixing scandal and questions were abounding after a smashing defeat against Russia.

Injuries and another draw with Croatia set up a tense final group match, but the Italians have been in the last three matches and find themselves on the brink of snatching the thunder away from Spain.

At that time, Italy had 10 keys to solidify before taking on Spain. Now, more than ever, the Italians need to get these 10 things right to lift the Henri Delaunay Cup.

1. Suck It Up for One More Round

Originally, the Italian squad needed to get past the latest Calciopoli rounds which cost them the service of Domenico Criscito for the tournament.

Needless to say, they did just fine without him and blew the distractions to the dustbin.

Now the squad's primary job is to find the energy to compete one final time in the humidor known as Ukraine's Olympic Stadium.

The weather might be milder, but the squad has revolved primarily around the same grouping of players.

Short rest from the last two rounds might come into play, and Italy need to find the last bit of reserves in the energy tank.

2. Buffon Must Be Brilliant

Gianluigi Buffon had to be a rock in the first game, and in the final it will be no different.

The Italian shot stopper has been one of the best in the tournament, which comes as a surprise to exactly zero people.

His organization of the defense in all its forms has been stellar, but another round with Spain will take all the wisdom and reflexes Buffon has developed over the years to ensure victory.

3. Who'll Be the Defenders?

Unlike in the first match, no one really knew who the Italians would line up in defense against Spain.

Rumors leaked early that Cesare Prandelli had switched the squad to a 3-5-2 with Daniele De Rossi in the defense to cope with injuries to Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini.

Now, with all the options open, it remains to be seen who Prandelli will choose to start in the defensive line.

Chiellini played at left-back, but a start from speedster Jesus Navas would pin the Juventus defender back deep.

Federico Balzaretti switched from left- to right-back to make up for Ignazio Abate's inability to play in the match against Germany and the suspension of Christian Maggio for the semifinal.

Prandelli has all the options on the table. He just has to make the right call Sunday.

4. Keep Andrea Pirlo Free

One of the great success of the tournament has been Andrea Pirlo's play. The Juventus trequartista has been phenomenal in the knockout rounds and delivered when it has counted most.

Against Spain in the first meeting, Pirlo often had time to pick passes because he had a wide variety of players around him to hit short passes to in the 3-5-2. This made it difficult for Spain to press him actively.

Spain will have seen the damage Pirlo has done to England and Germany and will more than likely put a man purely on Pirlo in the contest. If Pirlo continues to dazzle, Spain will be in for a bumpy ride on the night.

5. Don't Get Trapped in the Corner

One feature of Spain's pressing defense is the ability to rush potential shooters into taking wildly inaccurate shots.

Perhaps the most impressive feature, however, is their willingness to allow teams into the corners by the flags and simply smother them with numbers.

Spain is excellent at the byline trap and dispossessed both France and Portugal wingers with regularity.

Italy's play has been more narrow in the last few matches, but it is important that if the ball goes to the corner, it must come back out quickly.

6. Possession

As per usual, the possession battle has been Spain's biggest asset in the tournament.

In the first meeting, Spain held the ball for about 60 percent of the match, which, over time, does wear out defenders who have to chase for long periods of time (h/t ESPNFC.com).

Italy has done better in the last three matches of holding and dictating play when they've needed to. Against Spain, the more time on the ball, the more time they have to try and unlock the Spanish defense, which has been breached once...by Di Natale.

7. Make the Chances Count

Mario Balotelli couldn't quite find the goal against England, but he sure as hell found it against Germany.

His header over Holger Badstuber and thunderous strike past Manuel Neuer left no doubt as to the quality Italy possess up front.

But the Italians could have salted the match against Germany away had the pilot lights been on in the second half, as Balotelli and Di Natale both missed golden chances to bury Germany.

Like in the first meeting, chances may be few and far between against Spain.

They cannot afford to be so wasteful like they were in the second half against Germany.

8. The 3-5-2 or the Diamond 4-4-2?

Originally, the question was whether or not Italy should run out with one forward or two, considering they were playing Spain in the Group C opener and the defense was not exactly solid.

Prandelli took a massive gamble in the first match by trotting out Italy in the 3-5-2 formation it used in the first two matches.

The Azzurri stifled Spain in the first match fairly well but also couldn't unleash the attack they wanted to.

Italy's best spell in the tournament has been in their more trusted diamond 4-4-2 system. The Italians haven't suffered defensively but haven't been tested like they're about to since reverting formations.

The question, of course, is what Prandelli wants to do to start the match.

As with the defense, how the Italians line up will dictate the direction of the match in the opening half of play.

Again, Prandelli must get this call right.

9. Start Balotelli

Originally, there was questions as to whether Balotelli had the bottle to keep himself in check, especially after his response to be substituted against Spain.

In the last two matches, however, Balotelli has been the workhorse that Italy hoped he would be.

Three goals in the tournament have tied him at the top of that category, and adding to that total will be necessary if Italy want to knock off Spain.

He might even, dare I say, look like a rational human being after the tournament....

(Even though you know that, if they win, he'll be in the front pages in the following days for some random act that will get everyone to say, "Nope. Still hasn't changed.")

10. Embrace the "David Against Goliath" Mentality

Originally, Italy needed to rally past the Calciopoli allegations and gel as a unit to deal with the incoming scrutiny.

Now, they must take the view that, even as they've played ridiculously well in the tournament, they will be the underdogs that must thwart Spain's date with destiny (h/t sportal.com).

Not that the Italians will care one bit about Spain's "destiny."

The championship is within their grasp. They'll be the ones to decide who walks away as champions and who fades into the history books Sunday.