MADRID, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Spain coach Luis de la Fuente may only have been at the helm of the national team squad for two games, but the former Under-21 boss is already under pressure ahead of his side's UEFA Nations League semi-final against Italy on Thursday.
De la Fuente replaced Luis Enrique after Spain's disappointing display at the World Cup finals, and kicked off his time as national team coach in March with a 3-0 win against Norway, before things went badly wrong in his second game as Spain lost 2-0 in Scotland in a match where they were out-competed.
That setback means another defeat on Thursday, would create further doubts over De la Fuente, who has made several important changes for his squad, with Real Sociedad's French born defender Robin le Normand called up for the first time and veterans Jesus Navas and Sergio Canales handed recalls.
De la Fuente's main dilemma will be who plays in goal. Kepa Arrizabalaga returned after two years out of the squad and performed well in March as Unai Simon was out with a muscle injury. However, Simon is fit again and could return.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez is expected to start after his man of the match display in the Champions League final and he will be partnered by either Martin Zubimendi or Mikel Merino, both playing for Real Sociedad.
Barcelona midfielder Gavi can be expected to link midfield and attack, with Dani Olmo and Yeremy Pino (or Marco Asensio) adding width and Alvaro Morata leading the line.
Morata, Pino and Gavi's energy will help Spain maintain a high line of pressure on the Italians in what promises to be an interesting game in the Twente Stadium in the Netherlands, not just because it offers the chance for both teams to compete for a title, but also because it could have an important impact on De la Fuente's long-term future. ■
