The hosts are currently ranked 14th in the latest FIFA rankings, while their opponents are still high flying in 3rd place.
This game will be the 34th meeting between these two great footballing nations across several competitions, with the Italians winning 10, and the Spanish winning 12. 11 of those games have ended in draws.
Italy playing to restore prideThe Italians are winless in their last five matches against their opponents Spain. The most painful of these losses however has to be the mauling in the Euro 2012 final. The Italians have been grouped with Belgium, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in the Euro 2016 showpiece.
The Azzurri, managed by Antonio Conte are in good form, with three wins, one draw and one defeat in their last five games in all competitions. These wins were against Bulgaria (1-0 on September 6), Azerbaijan (1-3 on October 10), and Norway (1-0 on October 13). All of these victories were in Euro 2016 qualifying.
The 2012 European Runners up drew their recent friendly game against Romania (2-2 on November 17), but suffered defeat at the hands of Belgium (3-1 on November 13).
Spain back to formThe Spanish had a disastrous world cup campaign in 2014, and lost a number of games in the months after the world cup. But the European Championship holders have since come back to form, and are unbeaten in their last seven games. Their Euro 2016 group opponents are the Czech Republic, Croatia and Turkey.
La Roja, managed by Vicente Del Bosque are in scintillating form with five wins in their last five games in all competitions. These wins include victories against Slovakia (2-0 on September 5), FYR Macedonia (0-1 on September 8), Luxembourg (4-0 on October 8), and Ukraine (0-1 on October 12). All the above named victories were in Euro 2016 qualifying. They also defeated England in a recent friendly match (2-0 on November 13).
A game between two star studded sides is always likely to be won and lost in midfield. The Italians boast the talent of the likes of Jorginho and Marco Verratti, and their manager will be hoping they can dominate the game against the passing might of the Spanish. The big names of David Silva and Cesc Fabregas have not have the best of seasons at their respective clubs and they will be looking to keep those worries aside when they turn out for the National team.
Italy are generally a very strong side at home, but they come up against a resurgent Spanish team. I see the game ending in a low scoring draw.