Euro 2012 finalists Italy and Spain will square off at Friuli in what will be their first match in 2016 and what better way to start a new year than with a win over top European side.

Both sides have some new players vying for starting positions and no doubt this will be a great opportunity to experiment for both coaches.

Italy defied the odds to reach the Euro 2012 final, although they were hammered 4-0 by Spain in the battle for the coveted trophy.

The Azzurri were then largely disappointing at the 2014 World Cup, crashing out in the group stage, but they have shown considerable improvement under Antonio Conte.

The highly rated tactician is now set to leave after Euro 2016 finals, but there are no doubts he will work extra hard to ensure the best possible sending off.

Conte opted to leave the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi and Sebastian Giovinco out of the side for games vs Spain and Germany.

On the other hand, Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Barzagli, Marco Verratti and Giorgio Chiellini have all withdrawn, while Jorginho gets a chance to earn his first cap.

The Azzurri, who are set to face Spain in a 3-4-3 formation, are available at 3.20 (11/5) to get revenge on La Furia Roja for said defeat in Euro 2012 final.

Probable starting line-up (3-4-3): Buffon – Darmian, Bonucci, Acerbi – Giaccherini, Parolo, Montolivo, Florenzi – El Shaarawy, Pelle, Candreva.

Just like Italy, Spain were largely disappointing at the 2014 World Cup finals, but they have since managed to return to the right track.

In spite of initial struggles, La Furia Roja won the first place in their qualifying group in style, as coach Vicente Del Bosque did well to slowly introduce a new group of players.

There have been some surprised in his latest Spain squad, as Diego Costa has been left out, but the good news is that evergreen striker Aritz Aduriz finally gets his chance.

Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto is set to win his first cap, whereas Sergio Busquets was forced to withdraw due to a broken finger.

His teammate Marc Bartra keeps his place in spite of the lack of first team action, whereas Nolito is included after recovering from injury.

Vicente Del Bosque is widely expected to field his strongest side against Italy, with Sergi Roberto and Aritz Aduriz likely to play a part.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): De Gea – Juanfran, Pique, Ramos, Alba – Koke, Roberto, Iniesta – Silva, Morata, Nolito.