Costa is in focus for Spain

Madrid: Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa is set to make his long-awaited debut for Spain when the world champions host Italy on Wednesday in their final match before both sides name their squads for the World Cup. Ironically Costa also made his debut for the country of his birth, Brazil, against the Azzurri just over a year ago.

However, he has since switched allegiance to his adopted country and having missed friendlies against Equatorial Guinea and South Africa in November due to injury, will get his first taste of action for Spain at his club ground of the Vicente Calderon. The 25-year-old is expected to rival Manchester City’s Alvaro Negredo for the lone striker’s role in Brazil later this year as coach Vicente Del Bosque has left out his previously preferred pairing of David Villa and Fernando Torres from his 22-man squad.

Italy will be out to avenge recent defeats to La Roja in the Euro 2012 final and on penalties in last year’s Confederations Cup semifinal.