Abate returns to Italy team for Euro 2012 final against Spain

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Ignazio Abate returns to Italy's team for the Euro 2012 final against Spain.Reuters

Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has named his starting line-up for the Euro 2012 final against Spain.

Ignazio Abate replaces Federico Balzaretti at right-back in the only change from the side that beat Germany 2-1 in the semi-final.

Abate lines up alongside Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in a four-man defence in front of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Andrea Pirlo takes up his customary playmaker position in central midfield behind Claudio Marchisio, Daniele De Rossi and Riccardo Montolivo.

Andrea Cassano and Mario Balotelli have retained the two starting forward places after combining to great effect in the semi-final, when Balotelli scored twice to put his side 90 one match away from Euro 2012 glory.

Italy team to face Spain in the Euro 2012 final: Buffon, Abate, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Rossi, Montolivo, Cassano, Balotelli

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