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Hola!

I'm in London ahead of tomorrow night's Italy-Spain Euro 2020 semi-final. Listen up for how La Roja vanquished a century-old Italian curse at Euro 2008.

We also dip into the mailbag to answers questions on how Spain can find a way past Roberto Mancini's hugely impressive Italy.

And there's also my Bet365 Player of the Day!

Enjoy

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Here's what I think about Gareth Southgate's career-defining moments on and off the pitch, including his response to racists and his management of a talent-packed squad; which players might make big moves after the tournament; why we haven't seen much of Thiago so far. And a loan move happens as we are recording! Wolves fans, be excited. 

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Nerves shredded, I send you this from the post-apocalyptic aftermath of Spain's quarter-final with Switzerland. Don't let the outcome fool you, it was Switzerland's gameplan, and not Spain's that prevailed. But thanks to Unai Simon, we're on our way to Wembley. 

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Leo Messi's transition into free agency was a big story yesterday, so here's why I think he's probably not going, but he won't stay until he shapes his final years at FC Barcelona as much as he can while in a position of maximum leverage. 

Then we talk Spain v Switzerland and Italy v Belgium, and why Sergio Busquets has proved to be so influential for La Roja. 

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Hola!

We’ve dipped into The Big Interview archive to serve you up a nice little slice of Sven-Goran Eriksson, in which he reflects on the relationship between Roberto Mancini and Gianluca Vialli at Sampdoria. He tells us not only how the Goal Twins ran the dressing room and effectively the whole club, but also how Mancini the artist could turn into a raging bull.

The two men are reunited in the Italy dugout for Euro 2020 and will attempt to negotiate the Azzurri's passage to the semi-final against Belgium tomorrow evening. Listen out for my Bet365 Player of the Day after we hear from Eriksson.

Enjoy

Graham

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A blessed day of rest, so a good chance to get through some of your questions. Including: which of the lesser-known players would I go for if I was FINALLY in charge of a major European club? Who are the equivalents of Rio, Wrighty and Ally on Spanish television's coverage? And which England player has unlocked Harry Kane's mojo? 

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Another late-night episode recorded right after Spain's game (with an added bonus recorded after France were knocked out by Switzerland - stick around at the end!)

I loved watching Spain v Croatia - I hope you did too. It was about explosive football, some weird moments and above all, character. Watch out. Here come Spain. 

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Belgium have just knocked out Portugal here in Seville in a game that built to a thrilling finale. I recorded this as soon as I left the stadium, just after speaking to Thibaut Courtois - and that was a conversation that really got me thinking. So this is a story about a text I sent a long time ago, and a moment of audacity that helped to win the game. This one's a little different, I hope you like it.

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I'm in Seville tonight for Belgium v Portugal - not just the tie of the round but potentially the tie of the tournament. Here I'll tell you about what I learned from interviews with Roberto Martinez and Jan Vertonghen and we'll revisit an old Big Interview - with Martinez's right-hand man, Shaun Maloney. 

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Forgive the croak in my voice - this was recorded at the end of a very long day and night, before Spain left Seville ... destination - Copenhagen. 

In their destruction of a disappointing Slovakia team, Spain gave us a reminder of what they can do when everything clicks and when the opposition's guard drops. They have a history of these blowout wins in recent years. 

Does that make them contenders? I still have more than a few doubts about that. But for now, let's enjoy the good stuff. 

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com