Euro U21 Championship final: Italy v Spain Live Reporting

In Summary

• Italy U21 v Spain U21 (1700 BST)
• Spain are defending champions
• Italy seek record sixth title
• De Gea equals Spain cap record
• Stuart Pearce not kept on as England coach

Reporting by

• Tom Rostance, BBC Sport

1. 1620: 

   Spain start as favourites then but Italy are no mugs, as England can testify after watching the Azurri inflict the first of their three defeats in Israel back on 5 June.
   Napoli winger Lorenzo Insigne scored the winner that night with a fine free-kick and it is he, along with PSG playmaker Marco Verratti, who have caught my eye thus far.
2. 1619: 

   GET INVOLVED

   Neil, Manchester on text via 81111: Re: 1606. Undoubtedly the standout player? No doubt Isco has been impressive but Thiago has been sensational. As a United fan I've got every finger and toe crossed in the hope he signs this summer. Brilliant player.
3. 1617: 

   GET INVOLVED

   So let's kick-off today's debate with who you think the FA should appoint as the next England Under-21 manager. Gareth Southgate, Glenn Hoddle and Steve McClaren have all been linked with the job - or do we need a radical overhaul?
   Let me know who you think should take the job on by popping your name on a text in to 81111 (UK Only) or tweeting us at #bbcfootball.
   I'm also keen to hear who your player of the U21 tournament has been and whether Italy can stop Spain in their tracks this evening. Fire away.
4. 1613: 

   BYE BYE PSYCHO

   

   After three defeats and three less than classic performances, it is perhaps no surprise that England have decided to part ways with coach Stuart Pearce.
   Pearce had been in charge of the Under-21s since 2007 and led the Young Lions to four tournaments but his contract will not be renewed.
   The news was confirmed an hour or so ago with FA chairman David Bernstein saying: "I'd like to thank Stuart Pearce for his hard work. Nobody can doubt his commitment to the job throughout his time as U21 coach.
   "He has done extremely well in qualifying for finals tournaments, but after the disappointment of the past two tournaments, we believe it is time to change coach."
5. 1610: 

   BREAKING TEAM NEWS - Italy U21 v Spain U21

   Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea starts for Spain and equals the record of 27 appearances at this level. Isco and Alvaro Morata both start.
   Italy hand a start to Liverpool striker Fabio Borini.
6. 1606: 

   ISCOTHEQUE

   The standout player at this year's finals in Israel has undoubtedly been Spain's Malaga midfielder Isco.
   

   

   The 21-year-old is reportedly a transfer target of both Real Madrid and Manchester City this summer, and it's easy to see why. Operating from the left, he's been a right box of tricks and has even put team-mate Alvaro Morata in the shade.
   Morata has scored in each game so far despite being left on the bench most of the time.
7. 1600: 

   

   Xavi to Iniesta to Xavi to Fabregas to Busquets to Xavi to Iniesta to Pedro to Xavi...
   As any of you who watched Spain's senior side monopolise possession in their Confederations Cup win over Uruguay can testify, there is plenty of life in the Spanish dog yet.
   But just in case Xavi and co start to think about international retirement in the near future, Spanish fans can rest easy as their Under-21 side aren't too shabby.
   They have blitzed the competition in Israel to reach this afternoon's final. Can Italy stop them?
   
   Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22957118