Confederations Cup 2013: Viewing Info and Preview for Spain vs. Italy Semifinal

European powerhouses Spain and Italy will face off for a chance to take on host nation Brazil in the 2013 Confederations Cup championship match. Brazil advanced to the final with a 2-1 win over Uruguay in the first semifinal.

It's the second major tournament match between Spain and Italy in the past year. Last July, La Roja scored an impressive 4-0 victory against the Azzurri in the Euro 2012 final. They hope to replicate that result on Thursday.

On the flip side, Italy will be seeking some measure of revenge for that defeat. The Azzurri face an uphill battle, however, given how well the dominant Spanish side has played throughout the tournament. It will take Italy's best match to advance.

Let's take a glance at the viewing information for the second Confederations Cup semifinal, followed by a preview and a prediction for which team will reach the final.

Where: Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza, Brazil

When: Thursday, June 27 at 3 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

Preview

The 4-0 scoreline from last year's European Championship title match is a bit deceiving. The two teams played in the group stage of the tournament and fought to a 1-1 draw. And the final was more evenly contested than the blowout score indicates.

It all came down to converting opportunities. La Roja scored four times on 14 attempts while Italy was unable to find the net with any of its 11 attempts. The possession battle, which Spain usually wins handily, was only slightly in its favor.

The semifinal will come down to Italy finding a way to make good on its chances. Doing so without the services of striker Mario Balotelli, who was sent home due to a thigh injury, makes the challenge more difficult.

The pressure falls into the laps of the side's other attacking players, most notably veteran striker Alberto Gilardino. He's scored 18 goals in 53 international appearances and likely needs to add to that total for the Azzurri to move on.

Italy also needs another strong showing from its midfield, similar to its effort in the group stage match at Euro 2012. Spain is often able to overwhelm opponents by systematically wearing them down in the middle.

Veterans like Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Pirlo have proven capable of limiting that advantage. If they can't, Spain goes through.

Ultimately, however, La Roja can head into the match knowing that if they play their absolute best, it will result in a win. They simply need to maintain the momentum built up during group play. Italy isn't in the same position.

It also helps that streaky star Fernando Torres has had some solid performances already. When he's playing with confidence atop the formation, Spain becomes nearly unbeatable because of its strongholds elsewhere on the pitch.

In the end, Spain has given no indication of vulnerability. Italy did, allowing seven goals over its final two group matches, including a loss to Brazil.

It adds up to another big win for La Roja.

Prediction: Spain 3, Italy 1