Euro 2012 finalists Spain and Italy square off for the third time in less than two years, having also contested the Confederations Cup semi-finals.

And with both sides keen to impress some 100 days before the 2014 World Cup is due to start, we should see a lot of fireworks at Vicente Calderon.

Reigning World Cup champions Spain have continued the rich vein of form since that 4-0 hammering of Italy in the Euro 2012 final.

La Furia Roja eased off to the first place in their 2014 World Cup qualifying group in spite of some unexpected slip-ups, although they were pretty disappointing at the 2013 Confederations Cup.

Vicente Del Bosque’s side convincingly reached the semi-finals, but they were then completely outclassed by Italy and were very fortunate to make it through after penalties.

And it was hosts Brazil who capitalised on their poor run of form, beating them 3-0 in the competition final in Rio de Janeiro.

Spain did, however, manage to get revenge on Seleccao without even kicking a ball, as they convinced Diego Costa to switch his allegiance having already represented Brazil on two occasions.

The highly rated forward is set to start the friendly against Italy, and he is 2.40 (7/5) to score anytime. Meanwhile, home win pays just 1.53 (8/15).

Cesc Fabregas, Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Ramos are unlikely to start having missed some training this week, but Iker Casillas is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Casillas – Juanfran, Albiol, Martinez, Alba – Alonso, Busquets, Thiago – Pedro, Costa, Iniesta.

Not even the 4-0 defeat in the final could mar what was a very successful campaign for Italy at the Euro 2012, and the Azzurri have since had mixed success.

Having been placed in a pretty easy group, Cesare Prandelli’s side had no problems in securing automatic qualification, while the team also had some promising performances at the 2013 Confederations Cup.

As we have already mentioned, they were terribly unfortunate not to qualify for the final, having suffered another defeat to Spain, but this will be a perfect opportunity to exact revenge.

Nevertheless, having won just one of last twelve friendlies, it is highly surprising Italy are 7.50 (13/2) to win at Vicente Calderon.

The visitors will be without Mario Balotelli and Daniele De Rossi, who miss out through injury and suspension, whereas Giorgio Chiellini is unlikely to feature as he carried a calf problem.

Dani Osvaldo, Lorenzo Insigne, Mattia Destro and Mattia De Sciglio should be in contention after shaking off minor knocks.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-2-1): Buffon – Maggio, Barzagli, Bonucci, De Sciglio – Montolivo, Pirlo – Cerci, Candreva – Osvaldo.