Euro2012 - Final: Spain vs Italy tonight

The final of the 2012 European Championships will be held tonight between defending champions Spain and former champions Italy at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, Ukraine. Interestingly this was also the opening Group C match on June 10 in which the Italians had surprised the Spaniards and had held them to a deserving draw.

But now three weeks later we are in the final and the rematch will be played under different circumstances with both teams having played four matches in-between. La Furia Roja has remained the unbeatable Spain which is still a fact, but they no longer look as invincible as in Euro2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Italian Azzuris meanwhile came into the tournament on the back of another betting scandal and nothing much was expected off them, but coach Cesare Prandelli has put together a squad of experience and young talent which has surprised many in the tournament.

Going into the final to name a favourite is difficult this time around, though Spain remain the better candidate without conceding a goal in the knockout stages since losing to France at the 2006 FIFA World Cup though Italy with their different approach to the game have gained a lot of new admirers.

Spain have the big match experience and coach Vicente del Bosque so far has done little wrong with his squad, when he did as against Portugal in the semifinals he corrected it and it did work towards in the end. Spain's problem is that their tiki-taka football for which they and FC Barcelona were praised over the last few years has become boring and tiring for the fans as they knit their passes together but don't really go for the finish playing sometimes without a real striker. Especially Xavi Hernandez had not shown what he is capable off while Andres Iniesta has at least tried and has shown glimpes of his class.

Italy meanwhile operate differently then in the past. Normally they depended on a strong defence with outstanding defenders and somehow they tried to score a goal to win by that goal. This Italian squad is different, then it does not have those calibre of defenders though having an Andrea Pirlo in midfield, who at 33 is playing like he hasn't for years with Cassano, Balotelli and di Natale causing problems to the rival defenders.

I all wish us a fitting final tonight and be this 31st and last match of Euro2012 be remembered for years...