Football
ESPN staff 9y

Alvaro Morata likely to start for Spain vs. Ukraine - Vicente del Bosque

Vicente del Bosque has confirmed that Juventus forward Alvaro Morata is set to play in Spain's Euro 2016 qualifier against Ukraine on Friday.

Morata, 22, has impressed for the Serie A champions since signing from Real Madrid last summer, and scored in both legs of Juve's Champions League round-of-16 clash with Borussia Dortmund to reach the quarterfinals.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has withdrawn from Del Bosque's squad through injury, meaning Morata -- who has two international caps -- is likely to lead the line against Ukraine in Seville.

"We have been training with all the players we have, we have deployed them in the positions they are going to play and we have a lot of expectations of Morata," Del Bosque told a pregame news conference.

"It has been positive that he has enriched himself by moving abroad and it is good that he has had playing time [at Juve]."

Morata has been backed to succeed at international level by compatriots Sergio Ramos and Andres Iniesta.

Former Real teammate Ramos said: "He deserves to be here. He is a forward who stirs things up, who looks for the spaces, who moves well up front and he gives the national team a very good alternative."

Barcelona midfielder Iniesta added: "We all know Alvaro's quality. He is really playing well and that's why he is here with us.

"He is a born goal scorer, he is always pushing the limit of offside and his precision and movement make your job easier."

Second-placed Spain are looking to keep up the pressure on Slovakia at the top of Group C, while Ukraine sit third in the table behind Spain on goal difference.

La Roja thrashed Italy 4-0 in the 2012 final in Kiev, retaining the trophy after winning it four years previously having edged Germany 1-0 in Vienna.

^ Back to Top ^