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    Soccer News: Stretcher inspired by the greats of Spain in view of the Euro 2020 showdown

    The greats of Spain Xavi and Andres Iniesta are inspirational figures for the Italian Nicolo Barella, even if the blue midfielder does not try to replicate their skills.

    Barcelona legends Xavi and Iniesta formed a key part of the Spanish squad that won Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 – in which they beat Italy in the final – both sides of the 2010 World Cup lift.

    While the Barça duo were more famous for their creativity than their scoring exploits, even as Iniesta scored the decisive goal in Spain’s World Cup triumph in South Africa, Barella has established himself as a real threat to both goals and goals. ‘Inter than for Italy.

    Indeed, the former Cagliari opened the scoring in Italy’s 2-1 in the quarter-finals over Belgium with a fantastic final, enriched by excellent footwork.

    And while Barella is inspired by the Spanish greats of the past, he finds it difficult to compare his game with theirs.

    “They had great champions that inspired everyone, like Xavi and Iniesta,” Barella said at a press conference.

    “It’s easy to say we were inspired, but everyone who loves football is. I have different characteristics, seeing myself in them is difficult.

    “Spain that won the European Championships in 2012 had an incredible midfield. There were fantastic champions there, there are great players here, but we hope to be able to reach their level and possibly do even better ”.

    Italy inflicted a 2-0 defeat in the round of 16 of Euro 2016 to take revenge on a 4-0 defeat in Kiev nine years ago, and a final against England or Denmark is the winner’s prize at Wembley on Tuesday.

    “[Sergio] Busquets has been one of the best midfielders in the world for many years, “continued Barella.

    “Then they have Pedri and Koke. It will be a good match, we will try to beat their midfield and beat Spain.

    “It will be a difficult match, we are similar because we both want to dominate possession. I hope it will be a good match, we want to enjoy it in a fantastic stadium. “

    Italy suffered a blow in their victory over Belgium, with influential left-back Leonardo Spinazzola suffering an Achilles tendon rupture.

    “It was strange not to celebrate because one of my teammates had suffered a serious injury,” said Barella when asked about Spinazzola, who went to Finland for surgery.

    It was the first time I hadn’t celebrated a victory at the end of the game, we just have to make Spinazzola proud and celebrate for him. “

    Only three defenders – Andrew Robertson (nine), David Alaba (10) and Jordi Alba (11) – have created more chances than Spinazzola (eight) so far at Euro 2020, although Barella is confident that Chelsea’s Emerson should replace the ‘attacked Roma full-back, he will prove to be a skilled deputy.

    “Emerson and Spina have different characteristics, they are two great players and nobody is worried,” he said.

    “[Emerson] he won the Champions League and will help us as he always has. He has played many games for us and we all trust him. “

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