The stage is set for a mouthwatering encounter between two European giants as Spain and Italy lock horns at Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, on June 20th in Euro 2024. Spain, a three-time champion (1964, 2008, 2012), arrives hungry for redemption after a semi-final exit in Euro 2020. Having young talents like Rodri, Pedri, and Nico Williams, La Roja is a strong contender this time around.
Italy, the reigning champion from Euro 2020, seeks to defend their crown and add a third European Championship title to their trophy cabinet. Despite recent setbacks like missing the World Cup and a managerial change, the Azzurri remain a force to be reckoned with. Their third-place finish in the UEFA Nations League and a runner-up spot in qualifying showcase their determination and talent to come up against any European team.
Both teams are well aware that the best third-placed finishers progress to the knockout stages, so even a loss won’t completely derail their Euro 2024 ambitions. This Spain vs Italy clash promises a tactical battle between Spain’s possession-based dominance and Italy’s resolute defensive approach. Neutral fans should get ready for a captivating encounter steeped in history and rivalry!
Spain Team Preview
Spain arrives at Euro 2024 with a familiar face at the helm – Luis de la Fuente. Having coached their U19, U21, and U23 squads, de la Fuente benefits from a squad already attuned to his playing style. His system hinges on attacking full-backs, with options like Dani Carvajal, Alex Grimaldo, and Marc Cucurella pushing high up the pitch.
In midfield, experience meets youthful exuberance. The anchor role falls to the ever-dependable Rodri, while Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, and Mikel Merino offer creativity and control. Up front, Alvaro Morata remains the focal point, with pacey wingers like Nico Williams and Ferran Torres flanking him. Dani Olmo and the exciting youngster Lamine Yamal provide further attacking options. Unai Simon is expected to continue in goal, although he faces competition from Alex Remiro and David Raya.
Spain dominated their Euro 2024 qualifying group, losing just once in eight matches. While a 1-0 friendly defeat to Colombia raised eyebrows, they bounced back with a high-scoring draw against Brazil (3-3) and thrashed Andorra and Northern Ireland (10-1 aggregate) in their final warm-up matches.
Rodri is undoubtedly Spain’s key man. Fresh off a stellar season with Manchester City (9 goals, 14 assists), he controls the tempo of Spain’s midfield and will be crucial in dictating the game against Italy. Look for him to dominate possession and launch attacks with his trademark pinpoint passing.
Spain is likely to stick to their possession-based philosophy, dominating the ball and patiently probing for openings. The full-backs will be crucial in stretching the Italian defense, creating space for the likes of Williams and Olmo to exploit. Patience will be key against Italy’s resolute defense, but Spain’s ability to unlock deep-lying defenses with intricate passing and movement could be the difference.
Spain Predicted XI: Unai Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Grimaldo; Rodri, Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Olmo.
Italy Team Preview
Italy enters Euro 2024 under the guidance of Luciano Spalletti, who is renowned for his tactical prowess. Although he experimented with a three-man defense in friendlies, Spalletti is likely to stick with the 4-3-3 formation that propelled them to the previous tournament’s title. This system allows them to utilize their strength in central midfield and provides a balanced approach for both possession and counter-attacks.
Italy finished second in a tightly contested Group C behind England. Despite not replicating their perfect qualifying run from Euro 2020, they remain undefeated in their pre-tournament friendlies, winning three out of four and keeping a clean sheet against Turkey. A key figure will be Gianluigi Donnarumma, the 25-year-old shot-stopper who was instrumental in their Euro 2020 success. His reflexes and composure in goal could be crucial in navigating a tough group stage.
Italy is likely to prioritize defensive stability against Spain’s possession-based approach. Look for them to absorb pressure with a resolute backline marshaled by experienced defenders like Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Alessandro Bastoni. Central midfielders Nicolo Barella and Davide Frattesi will be crucial in winning the midfield battle and initiating counter-attacks with their driving runs and passing range. While they might not dominate possession, Italy’s ability to exploit Spain on the break with their pace and creativity could be a deciding factor in this clash of European titans.
Italy Predicted XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Bellanova, Barella, Jorginho, Dimarco; Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca.
Spain vs Italy Betting Odds
2.30 Spain – 3.30 Draw – 3.25 Italy (Parimatch)
Spain vs Italy Head-to-Head Stats
The upcoming clash between Spain and Italy promises not just tactical fireworks but a battle steeped in history. These European giants boast a dramatic head-to-head record, particularly in major tournaments.
Fans will remember the infamous 1994 World Cup clash where on-field tensions reached a boiling point. Spain has historically struggled against Italy in penalty shootouts, a curse finally broken in Euro 2008. They followed this triumph with a dominant 4-0 victory over Italy in the Euro 2012 final.
However, the pendulum swung back in Italy’s favor at Euro 2016 and 2020, with the Azzurri emerging victorious on both occasions, including their most recent win on the road to their Euro 2020 title. Interestingly, Spain has managed to turn the tables in recent Nations League encounters, securing narrow 2-1 victories in their two most recent meetings.
This head-to-head record adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming match. Spain will be eager to bounce back from their Euro knockout defeats to Italy, while the Azzurri will be looking to reassert their dominance on the big stage.
Spain enters the clash as the slight favorite. However, Italy’s defensive prowess and ability to hit on the counter cannot be ignored. A low-scoring draw or a narrow win for either team seems like the most likely outcome. Keep an eye on wingers like Ferran Torres or Nico Williams for Spain and Nicolo Barella for Italy as potential goal threats. Regardless of the final score, this clash between Spain and Italy promises to be a captivating display of tactical nous and European footballing history. The June 20th encounter of Spain vs Italy promises to be a captivating spectacle. With Spain seeking redemption and Italy aiming to defend their crown, the stakes are high. The contrasting tactical approaches – Spain’s possession-based dominance versus Italy’s resolute defense – ensure a fascinating battle on the pitch. Spain vs Italy Betting Tips & Predictions
