UEFA EURO 2020, Italy vs Spain Live Score: Italy face Spain in a blockbuster semi-final

Alvaro Morata has been dropped from the Spain starting line-up for tonight's Euro 2020 semi-final against Italy at Wembley, with Mikel Oyarzabal taking his place in attack. Morata has come in for criticism throughout the tournament but has started all of Spain's games so far and scored twice. Real Sociedad forward Oyarzabal has been used exclusively as a substitute so far by coach Luis Enrique but he did score the decisive penalty in the quarter-final shootout win over Switzerland in Saint Petersburg. That is one of three changes made by Luis Enrique, who also brings in Dani Olmo for the injured Pablo Sarabia on the left wing and hands a start to Eric Garcia in central defence, with Pau Torres making way.

Subs: Sirigu, Locatelli, Belotti, Berardi, Pessina, Acerbi, Cristante, Bernardeschi, Bastoni, Florenzi, Toloi, Meret.

Subs: de Gea, Diego Llorente, Pau Torres, Marcos Llorente, Morata, Gerard, Thiago, Sanchez, Gaya, Rodri, Fabian, Traore.

Italy fans show their support outside the stadium prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Semi-final match between Italy and Spain at Wembley Stadium in London, England. (Getty Images)

Spain coach Luis Enrique believes Tuesday's Euro 2020 semi-final against Italy could hinge on who dominates possession. Spain broke a tournament record for possession in their opening game against Sweden but had little to show for it as the game finished 0-0. However, he said his team, rather like this new-look Italy side that have captured neutrals' hearts, were most comfortable with the ball at their feet.

Spanish fans pose for a photo on Wembley Way, prior to the Euro 2020 semi-final match against Italy at Wembley Stadium, in London. (AP Photo)

It is rare that an injury to a full back would dominate a build-up to a European Championship semi-final, but that is exactly what Leonardo Spinazzola's absence has done in Italy, piling the pressure on the man who has to fill his popular boots. Arguably the Azzurri's best player, with two Euro 2020 man of the match awards, has been left back Spinazzola, whose form has created an outpouring of emotion given he will miss the semi-final due to a serious Achilles tendon injury. Emerson, who replaced the stricken Spinazzola against Belgium, is widely expected to fulfil the role many thought was destined to be his pre-tournament, having started two of Italy's three World Cup qualifiers in recent months.

Police officers are seen on horses outside the stadium prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Semi-final match between Italy and Spain at Wembley Stadium in London, England. (Getty Images)

Both Italy coach Roberto Mancini and Luis Enrique expressed regret that supporters of the two semi-finalists will not be able to travel to attend the game in London. More than 60,000 spectators will be allowed inside the 90,000-capacity Wembley after the British government eased the coronavirus restrictions that have been in place during the tournament. However supporters have not been permitted to travel from either country just for the match, something which has been a common occurrence at this pandemic-affected tournament.

The Azzurri appear the favourites this time as they arrive at Wembley having knocked out Belgium in the quarter-finals to stretch their unbeaten run to a remarkable 32 games. While Italy -- whose only European Championship title came in 1968 -- have been the standout team at the tournament so far, Spain have overcome a difficult start to reach the last four as they target a record fourth continental crown. Luis Enrique's team beat Croatia 5-3 in extra time in the first knockout round before edging Switzerland on penalties in the last eight.

Italy and Spain meet in a blockbuster first semi-final at Euro 2020 before an expected crowd of 60,000 at Wembley. Tonight's game is the latest episode in a burgeoning rivalry between Italy and Spain with the nations meeting in a fourth consecutive European Championship. Spain won on penalties in the quarter-finals in Vienna in 2008 on their way to winning the trophy and then thrashed Italy 4-0 in the final in Kiev four years later. Italy gained a measure of revenge by winning 2-0 in the last 16 at Euro 2016.