Italy face the difficult prospect of playing Thursday's rematch of the Euro 2012 final without Mario Balotelli or Ignazio Abate, both of whom have been sent home from the Confederations Cup after sustaining injuries. Andrea Pirlo is also battling injury as well, but is expected to start the semifinal.
The Azzurri also don't have the same momentum that they had heading into the European final. Instead of coming off of convincing wins against England and Germany where they never looked like going behind, they struggled with Japan and Mexico more than anyone thought they would and were beaten convincingly by Brazil.
Of course, recent history has seen Italy do the most when the least is expected of them. Spain isn't without problems either, with Roberto Soldado and Cesc Fabregas doubtful for the semifinal. That means that Fernando Torres is likely to start at center forward, and with Torres starting, anything is possible
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