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Spain vs Italy: Five things to watch

By Vijay Vemu

TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 20: Gianluigi Buffon (C) of Juventus FC with team mates Leonardo Bonucci (L) and Andrea Barzagli celebrate victory and his record of minutes without conceding goals at the end of the Serie A match between Torino FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 20, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 20: Gianluigi Buffon (C) of Juventus FC with team mates Leonardo Bonucci (L) and Andrea Barzagli celebrate victory and his record of minutes without conceding goals at the end of the Serie A match between Torino FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 20, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) /
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TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Gianluigi Buffon (C) of Juventus FC with team mates Leonardo Bonucci (L) and Andrea Barzagli celebrate victory and his record of minutes without conceding goals at the end of the Serie A match between Torino FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 20, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Gianluigi Buffon (C) of Juventus FC with team mates Leonardo Bonucci (L) and Andrea Barzagli celebrate victory and his record of minutes without conceding goals at the end of the Serie A match between Torino FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 20, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) /

4. Which Italian defender can shine in Barzagli’s absence?

The Italian back line suffered a tough break this week when Andrea Barzagli was ruled out with a muscle injury for this week of friendlies. He was replaced by his teammate at Juventus Daniele Rugani, who was currently play with the U-21 squad. Now with Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini out as well, the race is on to see who will impress alongside Leonardo Bonucci in the centre back role.

Some of the players to look for is obviously Rugani due to his experience at playing with Bonucci, who is also at Juventus. Andrea Ranocchia who is on loan at Sampdoria is also a good candidate to play at the back with the Juventus defender. He is probably the best bet to sit alongside him and all eyes will be on him to see if he can possibly cracking the starting XI at the back. It will be a tough task with a trio of Juventus defenders usually dominating the starts there.

But Ranocchia could impress Antonio Conte with a solid display at the back and considering the age of both Barzagli and Chiellini, he could win himself a starting spot for the Euro’s. It’s may be considered a long shot but there is always a chance and Ranocchia should take advantage of the situation.

Next: 3. Throwback in the midfield?