Spain national team boss Julen Lopetegui's managerial credentials will be put to the test when La Roja take on Italy at Juventus Stadium on Thursday night.
They made a perfect start to their World Cup Qualifying campaign in defeating Liechtenstein 8-0 thanks to a hat-trick of braces from Diego Costa, David Silva and Alvaro Morata with Sergi Roberto and Vitolo both finding the back of the net.
The Azzurri, though, will most certainly be a different kettle of fish. Whilst, like Spain, the side have welcomed a new coach in Giampiero Ventura, La Roja face the daunting task of claiming a win with Italy not having lost in Turin since their 4-0 defeat to Yugoslavia in 1955.
Furthermore, their rivals are currently leading the head-to-head with 11 wins to the Azzurri, 10 to Spain and four draws between the two sides.
La Roja, though, have their streak of sorts having not lost a World Cup qualification match since 1993, with 42 victories and 12 draws in their 54 fixtures since then.
Baptism of fire
Indeed, since Lopetegui's appointment, Spain have won their two matches; the 2010 World Cup winners claimed a 2-0 victory over Belgium in a friendly match before hammering Liechtenstein.
Thus, the match against Italy is a chance to consolidate the team's good form,thanks in large to fresh blood. Whilst the perennial stars remain in the form of Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and David Silva, the fixture presents itself as a proper initiation for the fresher faces with David De Gea, Dani Carvajal, Sergi Roberto, Thiago, Koke, Morata and Vitolo also set to play their part.
But this changing of the guard was necessary. Spain have arguably lost their credibility as a superpower after a 5-1 defeat to Netherlands and subsequent group stage exit in Rio, before they were comfortably taken apart by Italy in last summer's European Championships. A defeat might not be fatal, though it would be a major disappointment for a side on the mend.
Nevertheless, there's no doubt that the conditions will be hostile. Spain will need to be patient in front of goal and will rely heavily on the midfielders to dictate play whilst the defenders break up the rhythm of the opposition offence.
As for now, though, one can only speculate on how the match will be played out and it is time for the stars to step up to lead Spain to a memorable victory.
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