This time, however, Spain and Italy are playing for the European Championship and a place in history books.
Rivals for the Mediterranean will meet in the Olympic Stadium in Kiev Sunday, three weeks after they drew 1-1 in the opening match of the tournament's group stage.
As the defending champion and holder of the World Cup, Spain is a great candidate to win a third consecutive year, consolidating its position as one of the best national teams.
It also matches the record of three titles from Germany's European Championship.
Only the unpredictable Mario Balotelli and an amazing team of Italy - orchestrated by Andrea Pirlo - interpose between Spain and what many see as a destination.
Even the Italian coach Cesare Prandelli, estimated that Spain is the best bet to lift the trophy.
"At this point, even if I open my eyes, I'm still dreaming," said Prandelli after his team 2-1 win over Germany in the semifinals, when Balotelli scored both goals.
"Spain is the favorite because of years of hard work put in, were dominant in all the matches played so far."
Spain has not lost a European Championship since 2004 and has already found in West Germany as the only defending champion to return to the finals after winning the World Cup.
The West Germans were able in 1976, but subsequently lost to Czechoslovakia after Antonin Panenka famous chip shot in a shootout.
This final brings together teams of players with calcium bronze copy bold enough to put Panenka during their sentences in the quarterfinals. Spain Sergio Ramos has used the victory in the semifinal against Portugal, after Pirlo took against England in the quarterfinals.
It also has the best defensive team in the tournament against one of the most exciting attack.
Spain has not conceded a goal since the opening draw with Italy and was not scored in nine games for the elimination of major tournaments.
Balotelli, Antonio Cassano and Pirlo are conducting one of the best teams in Italy's attack in recent history.
"We have always tried to play, I think that is our strength," said Prandelli, the team is able to be their second European title, the same number of Spain and France, in Italy.
"When we started this tournament, we were convinced that working in a safe manner that could become a real team -. Not only a quality team, but also a team with the right spirit"
Although the selection Balotelli had been in doubt because of problems, both on and off the track at Manchester City, age 21, born in Ghana Italy scored three times in Euro 2012.
"I have waited a long time, mainly because my mother came here and I wanted to make her happy," he said after the victory over Germany.
"This is the big night of my life, but I hope that Sunday will be even better," added the striker, who has a chance to finish as top scorer of the tournament with one goal more.
"At the end of my father will come too," he added. "I hope to write ..."
Along with his players, the blues are also encouraging statistics on their side: Spain has not beaten Italy in a match race that ends in fines since 1920.
The attack in Spain had a rotating cast of forwards, with the attack midfielder Cesc Fabregas is usually preferred striker Fernando Torres.
Last Sunday, coach Vicente del Bosque is likely to repeat the first part of 6.4 is deployed with Italy on June 10.
Replaced Pedro Rodriguez and Jesus Navas had impressive tournaments and Del Bosque certainly reinforces the contribution of players who do not feel offended by being on the bench.
"When you send a substitute who feels bad always makes things more difficult. When sending a player who is happy and ready to play a minute, if that is what is needed, it is very important," said Del Bosque, who can match West Germany Helmut Schoen, as the only coaches who have won a European Championship and World Cup.
Del Bosque has admitted that Portugal is not only Spain looking neglected for over an hour, but had brought his players "to close".
However, his team extra days off to help with preparations for the Azzurri, while Italy has an eye injury problems after Balotelli came in the second half against Germany because of cramps.
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