Thursday 23 June 2016 14:34, UK
Spain could adopt a more cautious approach against Italy with Cesc Fabregas potentially sacrificed, according to Guillem Balague.
Vincente del Bosque's current holders lost 2-1 to Croatia in the final Group D game in Bordeaux, meaning they finished as runners-up and will now face fellow heavyweights Italy in the first knockout stage at Euro 2016.
Del Bosque has set up his side in France with a midfield trio of Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta but Sky Sports' Spanish football expert believes he may change tactics against the Azzurri on Monday afternoon.
Balague believes Spain could opt for a line-up incorporating two holding midfielders - one that helped them triumph at Euro 2012 and the 2010 World Cup - and feels there is a possibility Chelsea's Fabregas may be the man to make way.
"It looks like Spain could actually play with a similar formation that they did in 2012 and 2010 when we had two holding midfielders like Xabi Alonso and Busquets in the past," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"But then somebody will have to come off. Will it be Cesc (Fabregas)? It's still too early to tell of course as the game is on Monday."
Balague believes there will be added spice when the sides meet in Paris after previous incident-packed encounters.
Spain beat Italy in the final of Euro 2012 but Balague warned they must be wary of Antonio Conte's much-changed side - especially on the counter-attack.
He added: "Every time Spain met Italy it used to be that something happened - somebody broke his nose, we were knocked out on penalties - but in the last three encounters we have been on top or not been beaten.
"The Italian media keeps saying it's the worst Italy team ever but they can set up really well. They can defend and they can hurt us on the counter so it's a matter of how we concentrate from the start."
Follow Italy v Spain with our live blog on skysports.com and the Sky Sports apps - and look out for Guillem Balague's Euro 2016 columns throughout the tournament.
