Spain's 'MSN' against Italy's 'BBC': Who will prevail?

In what is set to be an intriguing encounter at the Stade de France, Spain and Italy will face off in the European Championship round of 16 with contrasting styles between the teams.

One of the main duels that will take place on Monday evening is set to involve the Roja's attacking trio of Alvaro Morata, David Silva and Nolito ('MSN') against the Azzurri's defensive wall of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini ('BBC').

Silva will be hoping to step-up in Saint-Denis and aim to offer the vital link between Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and himself on the attack. Even more important is Nolito, who'll try to cause havoc on the left-wing and take advantage of  Antonio Candreva's absence at right wing-back for the Italians.

But without question, the onus will be on Alvaro Morata to cause a headache for the 'BBC' and his former Juventus team-mates. The 23-year-old is set for a crucial evening fraught with key battles against the Azzurri back line and has to be at his best shooting wise if he's to beat the ever-present Gianluigi Buffon.

ALTERNATIVES

All predictions about this encounter point in the same direction, mainly how Spain's attacking football will overcome a stubborn Italy defensive who've conceded just once in the competition so far.

With that being said, Vicente del Bosque can alter his set-up during proceedings and play the ace up his sleeve if the Roja require it. In previous tournaments, it happened with the introductions of Pedro Rodriguez, Jesus Navas and even Fernando Llorente.

Del Bosque can call upon the likes of Lucas Vazquez and Aritz Aduriz this time around, who could act as catalysts to swing the game in Spain's favour.