Why Andres Iniesta vs. Christian Maggio Will Define Spain vs. Italy

Spain and Italy will contest the second FIFA Confederations Cup semifinal on Thursday evening, a repeat of last summer's UEFA European Championship final.

That occasion saw Spain triumph by a commanding 4-0 scoreline, a far cry from the group stage fixture between the same sides that ended 1-1. For that match, Italy operated with a back three system which frustrated Spain's possession-first approach and gave an insight as to how others might look to do the same.

Later, in the final, Italy had switched formations—but the outcome was unprecedented, and the champions were at the top of their game. A difference in tactics at that point was perhaps not the biggest factor in the result.

For the Confederations Cup semifinal, Italy are widely expected to revert to this back three, with Christian Maggio and Mattia De Sciglio operating as the wing-backs on the right and left respectively.

The direct confrontation between Maggio and Andres Iniesta on the left of Spain's attack, is one that could define the entire tie.

Andres Iniesta's Role and Effect

While perhaps at his best in a more central role, Iniesta takes up a starting position from the left side of Spain's attack, with plenty of licence to freely roam infield.

One of the main references for the recycling of possession high up the pitch, Iniesta is always looking to get on the ball and play a quick pass, change the direction of play and look to combine with the two players closest to him—usually Cesc Fabregas in the No. 10 role and Jordi Alba who attacks from left-back.

In Spain's tiki-taka style of play, Iniesta is an integral part of the approach play, and perhaps more importantly, one of those who creates space and chances inside the penalty area to help put the finishing touches on the moves.

He's not a regular goalscorer himself, but Iniesta remains one of the biggest threats to any defence with his consistency of passing and vision.

Christian Maggio's Prowess from Wing-back

A powerful, athletic wide player, Maggio is almost a prototype wing-back.

Aggressive and strong when winning back the ball, he'll always look to press quickly and help his team out defensively, while also providing a thrusting presence from the middle and final thirds of the pitch. Almost exclusively playing in the wing-back role at club level with Napoli, Maggio provides a great presence down that flank when in the right role.

As per B/R's Sam Tighe:

"

He’s a touchline monster, tenacious in the sprint and boasts super close control: a true wing-back who never quite fit at right-back or right-midfield, this is his calling.

"

For a primarily defensive player, Maggio offers a good threat down the right side into the final third, recording four goals and four assists for Napoli this past season.

How he fares against Iniesta could be the biggest indication of how good he is, and how the match plays out for his team.

How this Battle can Affect the Outcome

Spain will be expected to have the lion's share of possession, of course. Trying to stop them doing so can have disastrous consequences for any side, but when they have the ball they're also dangerous.

The only option for opposition teams is to try and press, harass and out-work Spain, force them to constantly turn backwards in their quest to keep possession, and not let the real creative players—including Iniesta—have time to pick the perfect pass into the penalty area.

In that regard, Maggio will be key.

His physical presence will provide him with his best asset in attempting to disarm and disrupt the flow of Iniesta's game from the wide areas of the pitch, likely forcing the playmaker infield with regularity to try and become involved.

If Iniesta can still manage to be a danger during the game, finding his attacking teammates within the 30-metre zone from the goal, Maggio will be forced to stay back as a fifth defender rather than an extra attacker. In so doing, Italy will be robbed of one of their prime outlets, especially if they are playing consistently on the counter-attack.

Without service from the flanks, the front two for Italy will have no option but to drop deeper themselves, or wider, resulting in less of a presence up front. There will also be no direct out-ball for Andrea Pirlo to try and release quickly from deeper areas.

On the other hand, if Maggio can best Iniesta and instead make his own mark on the game going forward, Spain themselves will be without a key part of their buildup and transition weapons as they break forward. Iniesta has terrific movement but not blinding pace. Any attempts to counter Italy will not likely involve the No. 6 past the half way line.

For Italy, that's one of the best outcomes that they could hope for in Thursday's game as they bid to first stop Spain, and then take their own chances.

Remove Iniesta from the equation and Spain's attack is, while far from blunted, certainly poorer for his lack of participation. Maggio holds the key to doing so—if he isn't completely overrun by the Barcelona player's movement and on-ball wizardry himself.

Follow @karlmatchett