A look at the likely formations, strengths and weaknesses of Spain and Italy ahead of their Euro 2008 quarter-final on Sunday.

Formations

Before the tournament Spain coach Luis Aragones experimented with 4-1-4-1 in an attempt to squeeze all his midfield talent onto the pitch but has settled on 4-1-3-2 here and it has paid off.

Italy, despite injuries and poor performances, look poised to stick with 4-4-2 having started the finals with 4-3-3.

Strengths

Spain have an embarrassment of riches in midfield with half a dozen fast-moving, neat-passing players who are virtually interchangeable.

In David Villa, who has four goals from two games, and Fernando Torres they have a mobile front duo who compliment each other perfectly.

Italy's biggest asset is faith in their own ability and system, a confidence they are one of the game's superpowers who get it right when they need to. They also have a good goalkeeper in Gianluigi Buffon and a high-quality midfield.

Weaknesses

Not much of a 'plan B' to the Spanish attack and if an opposing defence gets a grip on their probing runners they can be left short of ideas and there will never be much return from lobbing high balls into the box.

At the back too there is little height and they look vulnerable in the air.

Italy looked hopelessly disorganised at the back in their opening defeat by Netherlands and though coach Roberto Donadoni has made changes, the absence of Fabio Cannavaro, and his organisational talent, is being felt.

Defence

Spain keeper Iker Casillas sets the tone for a well-drilled unit where Carles Puyol is the inspirational presence. He is a great reader of the game and massively committed but he and partner Carlos Marchena can expect an aerial examination from Luca Toni.

After years with few changes to their back four, Italy's defence has been all over the place here.

Sunday's likely centre-halves Christian Panucci and Giorgio Chiellini are still a new pairing while Gianluca Zambrotta has been caught out badly at right back. Fabio Grosso's overlapping runs on the left remain a threat though.

Midfield

Marcos Senna is a crafty holding midfielder for Spain who offers a mobile screen in front of the back four, though Xabi Alonso is pressing for a place after an excellent display against Greece.

The loss of the suspended Gennaro Gattuso is impossible to cover for Italy but Mauro Camoranesi and Massimo Ambrosini, likely to come in for him and the banned Andrea Pirlo, are happier to push beyond the halfway line.

Much depends on Daniele De Rossi, who needs to stamp his authority on the game.

Attack

Villa and Torres play off each other really well. Torres is the athlete who passes defenders with ease and can hit the byline like a winger. Villa is more of a predator but also dangerous with free kicks.

Toni is strong in the air and a handful for any defender but Antonio Cassano is a trickier proposition and this is the ideal stage for him to make a name for himself.

Alessandro Del Piero brings a classy presence to the bench but has looked below his best in his limited appearances so far.

Reuters