Italy have the first attack and Graziano Pelle has an effort which is wide of the target. 

Spain hoof it upfield and quickly lose it. Even this new kick-off rule is changing their tiki taka style as the rain comes down in Paris.

Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir toots on his whistle and Spain in white get us under way. 

Sahil Oberoi: Italy should already be one up based on the anthems alone.

Laura Cooney: Whoever wins #ITAESP, external, that semi-final is going to be an absolute cracker.

Gianluca Vialli
Former Italy striker on BBC One

It would be optimistic to think you can sit back for 90 minutes and not concede. We have to put them under pressure, but do it properly and at the right time. Do it as a team.

If you do it at the wrong place and wrong time, Spain are fantastic at putting players between the lines and can really hurt you.

A quick reminder of the teams before we get this one under way. 

Image source, .

Image source, .

The teams are out at a packed Stade de France, and the Spanish anthem is under way. 

Gianluca Vialli
Former Italy striker on BBC One

Italy's back three have played with each other for six or seven years. Individually they are good, but not great. But as a unit, they are almost invincible.

Rodney and Trevor: Ironically the 1 minutes silence is a dying art. Replaced by applause because no one can be trusted to keep quiet

Aki Tse: Not a dying art per se, but would love to see a 32-panel black and white football used on a professional pitch once!

What dying arts in football would you like to see return? Black boots, footballers without tattoos, a corner beating the first man?

Let us know via #bbceuro2016, external or via text on 81111

Vincent Kompany
Belgium and Manchester City captain on BBC One

Both sides have two great football coaches but they couldn't be more opposed in their style. Spain haven't dealt with well with crosses and Italy have the likes of Graziano Pelle in attack.

When these two sides played each other in Euro 2008, my esteemed former colleague Caroline Cheese described the game that preceded the penalty shootout as a "turgid bore-draw". Former England boss Graham Taylor said it was a "fascinating tactical battle".

Two out of the last four tournament games between them have ended up in penalties so is anyone not expecting this one to go the distance?

Might be a game where the European hipsters start stroking their chins and start trying to impress/bore you with their tactical knowledge. If it's getting out of hand, let us know via #bbceuro2016, external

Paul Fletcher
BBC Sport at Stade de France in Paris

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini doesn't so much warm up as manoeuvre his way from one cone to another, looking fairly menacingly at his surroundings.

Spain were out some time before their opponents - though their yellow and white apparel is not going to win any awards. Makes me think of fruit salad sweets.*

Not all that many Spanish fans here, relatively speaking. Sweden and Republic of Ireland, for example, comfortably outnumbered them in their earlier group game. 

It is a fairly cool evening in Paris and although skies are largely blue above the ground now I would not rule out a shower or two.

*Must be at least 40 to get that. 

Spanish midfielder Koke believes his team must mix up their ‘tiki-taka’ style of play when they face Italy. He said: “Some people compare [Atletico Madrid] with Italy, but we sometimes play good football at Atletico, with long spells of possession. Italy are more direct than Atletico.

"Tiki-taka’ has served us very well and given us many successes over the years, and if we can also show shades of a more aggressive style, then I think the team would be perfect.”

Gianluca Vialli
Former Italy striker on BBC One

I'm curious to see how the match is going to pan out. Spain are a very well organised side. They know how to close the deal, but we start as underdogs. I am confident. I think we can do it.

Image source, .

Don't forget to make your predictions for today's matches - you've got until kick-off to guess the score.

You can create leagues with your friends - something the BBC pundits and commentators have done. Commentator Alistair Bruce-Ball and presenter Dan Walker are currently joint top of their league, with 5 live's Ian Dennis and our very own Phil McNulty tied in second place. There's plenty of time for that to change...

You can play the game here.

Image source, .

Paul Fletcher
BBC Sport at Stade de France in Paris

You're in Paris, you're counting down the hours until kick-off for what is undoubtedly the most eagerly anticipated fixture of the group stage.

How do you while away those pesky hours until the match starts?

Easy, buy a small, black toy dog, get out your Spain flag and pretend to be a bullfighter, to the general merriment of everyone around.

Image source, BBC Sport

Akaakuu Wakjira: Ready to watch some magical goals today #ESPITA, external. Or We'll see penalty shootout after 1:1 at FT, and #ITA, external win?

Adam Wright: Classic visual gag at 15.50 about the fancy dress picture

Think only me and you got that, Adam! 

Image source, Gary Lineker

Gary Lineker on Instagram: , externalWonderfully European panel for Italy v Spain.

BBC One

We've got this game covered on TV, radio and online. Gary Lineker presents live coverage on BBC One right now where he is joined by Gianluca Vialli, Thierry Henry and Vincent Kompany.

Over on BBC Radio 5 live, Conor McNamara will bring you full match commentary alongside Jermaine Jenas.

You can watch or listen at the top of the page.