Two of FIFA’s top ten ranked nations meet in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday night at the midway point of the Euro 2024 group stages when Spain face Italy in Group B.
From Germany’s dazzling fluidity to Romania’s plucky underdog grit, there were some standout collective displays on Matchday 1, but Spain’s efficient dismantling of Croatia was perhaps the most impressive. Spain raced into a 3-0 lead against the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists on Saturday before keeping Zlatko Dalic’s side at arm’s length in the second period.
Luis de la Fuente’s side have evolved considerably from the all-conquering generation of 2008 to 2012, with the latest iteration of La Furia Roja combining technical wizardry with speed and directness in wide areas. Another big test now beckons in the form of the holders.
Expectations weren’t so grand for Italy heading into the tournament compared to three years ago and, while their victory over Albania was slender, Luciano Spalletti’s fingerprints were all over the Azzurri’s performance. The former Napoli boss is starting to build this Italian side in his image and Thursday’s contest is bound to be a belter.
The victor, if there is one, will surely win Group B.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Spain vs Italy at Euro 2024.
Spain vs Italy H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Spain |
Italy |
|---|---|
|
Spain 3-0 Croatia – 15/06/24 |
Italy 2-1 Albania – 15/06/24 |
|
Spain 5-1 Northern Ireland – 08/06/24 |
Italy 1-0 Bosnia & Herezegovina – 09/06/24 |
|
Spain 5-0 Andorra – 05/06/24 |
Italy 0-0 Turkey – 04/06/24 |
|
Spain 3-3 Brazil – 26/03/24 |
Ecuador 0-2 Italy – 24/03/24 |
|
Spain 0-1 Colombia – 22/03/24 |
Italy 2-1 Venezuela – 21/03/24 |
|
Country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
ITV1, ITVX, STV, STV Player |
|
United States |
Foxsports.com, ViX, FOX Sports App, FOX Network, SiriusXM FC |
|
Canada |
CTV App, TVA+, TSN4, TVA Sports, CTV, TSN1 |
Spain lineup vs Italy (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Laporte, Le Normand, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Fabian; Yamal, Morata, Williams.
Italy lineup vs Spain (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca.
Spain were so impressive against Croatia, but the signs were promising for Italy as well against a tricky Albania side. Thursday’s bout has the potential to be the best of the group stages given the quality of both squads and respective styles of the two managers.
Spain’s collective cohesion will be tough for the Italians to slow down, although its within the Italians DNA to nullify attacking majesty. Reports…
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