Spain vs. Italy: Key Players in Confederations Cup Semifinal

The Confederations Cup semifinal between Italy and Spain is certain to come down to the contributions of a few key players.

Both teams are loaded with talent and are two of the most successful squads in the world in recent years. However, only one team will be able to face Brazil in the finals of this prestigious tournament.

The winner will be the one that gets the best performances out of the most important players on the roster. While these are not necessarily the most talented men on the squads, they are the keys to victory in the upcoming match.

Andres Iniesta, Spain

Cesc Fabregas came off early against Nigeria and could miss the team's match against Italy. This puts more pressure on Andres Iniesta to take control for Spain.

The midfielder has long been one of the best players in the world at his position, and he is part of the reason that the squad is so dominant. He plays precise passes and makes sure that Spain controls the ball for as long as possible.

However, he must be more aggressive to be successful against Italy. Iniesta has to push the action near the net and give the forwards plenty of opportunities to score.  

He cannot simply sit back and wait for good things to happen like Spain did against Tahiti and Nigeria in recent matches.

Pedro, Spain

While he did not get to enjoy the onslaught against Tahiti, Pedro has played pretty well in recent weeks. The Barcelona player scored an important goal against Uruguay and has been the squad's leading scorer in World Cup qualifying so far. 

This consistency must continue for Spain to remain successful.

Against Italy, the squad will certainly have fewer opportunities near the net than it is used to having. The forwards have to make sure they take advantage of every chance they get with strong finishes toward the goal.

Pedro does not have a guaranteed spot on the first team like some other players, and he must make sure he proves himself against a quality foe on Thursday. 

Andrea Pirlo, Italy

Throughout this tournament and beyond, Italy has only had one consistent threat among its forwards. Unfortunately, that player will not be playing against Spain.

Mario Balotelli injured his thigh and has been ruled out for this contest, which leaves his squad in a bit of a bind. The team needs someone else to step up offensively, and to this point few others have proven the ability to do that.

Of course, Andrea Pirlo continues to show that, despite his age, he is a serious weapon with the ball. If he is given the opportunity with a set piece, he needs to finish to give his team the edge.

Otherwise, Italy will have a hard time getting goals in this match.

Gianluigi Buffon, Italy

While Gianluigi Buffon is still one of top keepers in the world, he has been less than stellar so far in this tournament. The four goals allowed against Brazil is certainly one of his low points.

Against Spain, however, he will need to be at his absolute best. The team will control the ball for most of the match, and it has the ability to strike at any time.

Italy needs to keep this match as low-scoring as possible. While Spain will get off a number of shots, Buffon has to make sure those attempts do not hit the back of the net.

One mistake can be enough to cost Italy a chance in this tournament. 

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