We are under way.

Spain have never lost a home World Cup qualifier - 46 wins and nine draws in 55 games.

After watching Georgia v Republic of Ireland earlier, I need to watch some good football. These lads won't let me down, will they? Not a Glenn Whelan on show in the Bernabeu.

It's national anthems time in Madrid.

With only one team qualifying automatically, tonight's game is really crucial. One of these teams will be in the World Cup play-offs (at best).

It's neck and neck at the top of Group G. The sides drew 1-1 in their opening game and have each won the following five.

Spain have the edge though - their goal difference is better by four AND they have yet to play Liechtenstein (on Tuesday), whereas Italy have already played them twice.

Image source, Getty Images

John McEnerney: It's hard enough to break an Italian defence with two strikers but playing none is a big risk - however they have enough quality to score! Draw

Spain are not playing a traditional striker. Real Madrid's man of the moment Marco Asensio, Isco and David Silva all feature.

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini is out injured. The Azzurri have plenty of goals in their team, Andrea Belotti, Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne scored 67 Serie A goals between them last season.

Spain: De Gea, Carvajal, Ramos, Pique, Alba, Busquets, Iniesta, Koke, Isco, Asensio and Silva.

Italy: Buffon, Darmian, Barzagli, Bonucci, Spinazzola, De Rossi, Verratti, Candreva, Belotti, Immobile, Insigne

This is the rarest of treats - like two bags of crisps coming out of the vending machine when you've only paid for one. Two proper giants of world football facing in qualifying for a major tournament.

Welcome to our live text coverage of Spain versus Italy at the Bernabeu.

Image source, EPA