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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Spain will have to beat Italy in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup ( 11:30 a.m., ESPN), and deal with a few distractions, too. The World Cup winners answered almost as many questions this week about a recent robbery in their team hotel – and denied it was linked to late-night partying – as they did about the tropical heat in northeastern Brazil and Italy’s desire for revenge. The Italians were beaten 4-0 by Spain a year ago in the final of the European championship. One distraction will be missing in today’s game – Italian striker Mario Balotelli – who is out with a left leg injury as Spain tries to reach Sunday’s final in Rio de Janeiro against host Brazil. – AP