Geniuses who never stop running will determine whether Spain or Italy go to the final

Long gone are the days of midfielders being either skilful playmakers or water carriers. Once upon a time, you could get away with not putting in a shift and chasing the ball – if you can make that crucial pass or turn a free-kick into a goal. Not anymore, though. No matter how good you are with the ball at your feet, regardless of how precise your passes may be – you won't make it to the top unless you're prepared to cover around 11 kilometres over 90 minutes.

Two midfielders who proved tireless while being highly technical during the European Championship are Spaniard Pedri and Italian Jorginho. And tonight, they will clash in a battle for a place in the final.

Barcelona's young gun Pedri found himself at the centre of Luis Enrique's new-look Spanish national team. The 18-year-old metronome playmaker has impressed with his maturity and cold-blooded precision when the heat is on. And not to mention that he's run 61.5 kilometres during the five games he's featured in. Despite only making his Spain debut in March, the Barcelona starlet is already viewed as the midfield maestro who will follow in the footsteps of the greats such as Xavi or Andres Iniesta. He doesn't shy away from the importance of his role in the team.

"Both teams have a powerful midfield and a great deal of quality in that area of the pitch. It's going to be a very hotly contested match in midfield. The team that gets the better of it will be the team that makes the fewest mistakes."

Italy edge Belgium in a spectacular encounter to book a semi-final place and a clash with Spain

On the side opposite to Pedri, there will be Jorginho. The Brazilian-born Chelsea star is the brain and the legs of the Italian national side. Not only that he's making forward passes under pressure, driving his side forward and starting dangerous counter-attack, but he's also the player who leads by example as he tries to get wherever he's needed. In the five games so far, the 29-year-old has run a distance of 57.7 kilometres – the third-most of all players in the tournament.

Brazil-born Jorginho, Italy's beating heart at Euro 2020

The midfield battle is probably the most important one to determine which team is the most likely to win, but when such experienced and capable teams meet at this stage of a big competition – it's the small things that could prove decisive. A stray ball, a missed interception or a moment of pure inspiration could mean either making it to the final or not.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini has urged his players not to underestimate the Red Fury – even if some of Luis Enrique's key players look a bit fresh-faced.

"Spain have been extraordinary for years, even if now there has been a change, and they are a younger side. They have a good coach and excellent players."

The balance of power has shifted since Spain had outclassed Italy 4-0 in the final of the Euro 2012. Italy eliminated La Roja in the 2016 round of 16 and come to Wembley having won each of their last 13 international matches. They are also unbeaten in their last 32 fixtures.

Spain’s biggest fan Manolo breaths a sigh of relief as brave Switzerland finally lose on penalties

On the other hand, Spain have been inconsistent. After group stage draws against Sweden and Poland, they beat Slovakia 5-0 to reach the last 16, where they scored five again, though it took extra time to finish off Croatia. A string of missed chances then allowed ten-man Switzerland to take them to penalties in the quarter-finals, but top-class opponents like Italy may yet bring out the best in them.

And to reach the European Championships final, you really have to be ready to run your socks off and leave everything on the pitch. A slot in the biggest fixture is at stake!

EURO 2020 – Semi-final

Tuesday

22.00: Italy – Spain

Wednesday

22.00: England - Denmark