Good afternoon and welcome to LIVE coverage as Spain begin their bid to defend the European Championship title against Italy in Gdansk. This is the first match from Group C of the tournament with Croatia and Republic of Ireland doing battle later on this evening. But first up is this mouthwatering prospect between two of world football's true heavyweight nations.

Italy did not concede a single second half goal in the qualifiers – the only side not to do so. Bit more difficult today one imagines.

Fabregas sends Iniesta racing into the box. Iniesta fies a shot wide via the edges of Buffon's gloves. Iniesta the main danger man for Spain. Fine stop by Buffon.

Xavi decides he has had enough of the short stuff and opts for the longer game. But his shot flies well wide of goal.

Fabregas finds enough room to get a sight of goal. Gives the ball a lash from 25 yards out, but easy for Buffon to make the stop.

The Italians playing the pressing game to some effect out there today. Fernando Torres out warming up as Spain fan Manolo the drummer...erm...bangs his drum....

Chiellini trips Xavi. Perhaps lucky to avoid a booking there. Only Balotelli in the book so far in this tight affair.

No changes at the start off the second half. Off we go then for the second period.

There goes the whistle for the break! 0-0 between these two teams. All to play for in the second half.

Casillas dives to half the header from Motta! Fine save with Spain's defence cut open. Chances at both ends towards the end of the first period.

Chance for Iniesta from 12 yards out. Great pass from Xavi, but the finish not quite there. Not sure if he was trying a lob or a shot. Over the bar. And on we go. At 0-0 with a minute left on the clock.

Chance for Fabregas from Silva's pass, but fine defending by Bonucci to deny him a free shot at goal. Italy and Spain fans at least enjoying their day out.

Not as woeful as the Germany v Portugal first 70 minutes or so last night, but a sense of disapointment that his match has yet to live up to expecatations.

Remember we have a LIVE Euro 2012 chat from 5.30pm today. As the tournament gathers haste, Eurosport viewers worldwide will be given the opportunity to pitch their questions to the Netherlands most prolific goal scorer, Patrick Kluivert and Euro '96 winner, Freddie Bobic of Germany. The pair will be casting their expert opinions over today's Group B fixtures as well as answering your questions during this match

Fabregas challenging Maggio for the loose ball. And he is deemed to be guilty of foul play. The longer this goes, the more evident it becomes that Spain need a focal point for their attacks.

Italy are the only side Spain have played more than four times at major tournaments - Euros and World Cups - but never beaten in regular time - drawn three, lost three.

Surprise, surprise...Balotelli has been booked for taking out Alba with a late lunge. Typical Mario you might say.

Marchisio decides to wallop a volley at goal from 30 yards. Superb technique, but a comfortable height and position for Casillas to make the stop.

Balotelli given a talking to be the referee after pumping his fists into the ground. Far from happy with that moment.

Cassano fires a shot at goal. Casillas makes the stop. Balotelli and Pique race for the loose ball with Balotelli deemed to have fouled the Spanish defender.

Spain have only managed three clean sheets in 21 previous European Championship group stage games.

Motta leans on Xavi. Looks a free-kick just outside of the Italy box, but the referee isn't interested. Cassano tries to win the ball from Casillas, but ends up clipping him late.