Half-Time Report: Spain 0-0 Italy

Reigning European and World champions Spain are being held to a 0-0 draw with 2006 World Cup winners Italy at the half-time stage of their opening Euro 2012 game.

Spanish coach Vincente Del Bosque opted to start without a recognised striker, leaving the likes of Fernando Torres and Fernando Llorente on the bench.

Perhaps predictably considering that and Italy's reputation of being a defensive nation, there were few chances in the opening 45 minutes.

The Azzurri came close after 20 minutes when Antonio Cassano's shot flashed across the face of goal and was narrowly missed by Mario Balotelli.

Marchisio then provided a rare highlight with a thunderous volley from 30-yards out that Iker Casillas needed two attempts to hold.

The first major chance came one minute before the break and fell to Andres Iniesta after the Barcelona man was found by his club teammate Xavi, only to lift his shot over the bar.

Thiago Motta then had the best chance of the match when his powerful header was well saved by Casillas on the stroke of half time.

As it is, Italy will arguably be the happier of the two sides at the break, while Spain will be thinking about bringing on a striker to provide a focal point for their attacks.

You can read live commentary of the match here.