Spain vs Italy Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Euro 2024
Preview
- Tournament: Euro 2024
- Date: Thursday, June 20
- Kick-off Time: 07:00 pm GMT
- Venue: Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Euro 2024’s second round of games will see Spain taking on Italy in a mammoth Group B fixture. Both sides be aiming for the top spot, having already won their opening matches.
La Roja will enter this contest having dismantled 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia 3-0 in a dominant performance. First-half goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Daniel Carvajal were enough for the two-time Euro winners, as they also secured a clean sheet. A win on Thursday will see them qualify for the knockouts.
The Azzurri, on the other hand, saw off a spirited Albania side to secure a 2-1 win. Having fallen behind in just the first minute, pressure was on the Italians to deliver and they did thanks to goals from Nicolo Barella and Alessandro Bastoni. They will need to be more clinical against Spain, having managed just five shots on target in 17 attempts against Albania.
Also Read: Croatia vs Albania Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Euro 2024
Spain vs Italy Team News
Spain team news
Luis De La Fuente led Spain to a dominant 3-0 win against Croatia, but there were some casualties on the way.
The first issue was with Morata, who limped off to be replaced by Mikel Oyarzabal after the hour-mark. Shortly after, Rodri went off with an injury and was replaced by Martin Zubimendi. These are two crucial players for Spain and their availability for the next game may determine the outcome.
Italy team news
Luciano Spalletti managed his side fairly well as they came from behind to secure a 2-1 win against Albania. Nicolo Barella and Alessandro Bastoni scored the goals and the team defended deep after that to preserve their lead.
While Italy looked smooth in attacking transitions from the wings, in general their gameplay was stagnant in front of goal as Gianluca Scamacca was ineffective as the striker.
Predicted Lineups
Spain Predicted XI:
Unai Simon (GK); Daniel Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Nacho Fernandez, Marc Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Alvaro Morata (C), Nico Williams.
Italy Predicted XI:
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) (C); Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Federico Dimarco; Davide Frattesi, Jorginho, Nicolo Barella; Federico Chiesa, Gianluca Scamacca, Lorenzo Pellegrini.
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Key players to watch out for
Alvaro Morata (Spain) – The Spanish forward scored his team’s first goal of Euro 2024 leading to a comfortable win in the last game. Having made his debut in 2014, the 31-year-old has risen through the ranks to earn his spot. With 36 international goals in 74 appearances, Morata will look to lead his nation to glory at this edition of the tournament.
Nicolo Barella (Italy) – Barella put in a man of the match performance against Albania as he helped Italy turn the game on its head. He completed 105 passes with 97% accuracy, including six long balls. He also completed one dribble attempt and won three duels along with scoring a goal to hand Italy the lead after 16 minutes.
Spain vs Italy Head-to-Head Record
These two great sides have played several iconic matches against each other in the past. However, recent history favours Spain, who have won three of the last five meetings between the two sides. Italy has won one, while the other game was a draw.
Last 5 Games
- Spain 2-1 Italy [06/23]
- Italy 1-2 Spain [10/21]
- Italy 1-1 Spain (4-2 Pens.) [07/21]
- Spain 3-0 Italy [09/17]
- Italy 1-1 Spain [10/16]
Prediction
While these two teams were better matched in the past in terms of world class talent, Italy has faced a decline, much worse than Spain have in the last few years. This puts La Roja in a commanding position to win this game and seal qualification. However, Italy are no pushovers and will fight hard for the points.
Prediction: Spain 2-1 Italy.
When & Where to watch Spain vs Italy Live?
Q. When and where will Spain vs Italy take place?
A. This match will be played at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday, June 20 at 7:00 PM (GMT).
Q. Where will this match be shown in the UK?
A. This game will be available on BBC Sport and ITV/ITVX
Q. Where will the game be available in India?
A. This match will be streamed on SonyLIV app & website and the Sony Sports network on television .
Q. Where will this game be shown in the USA?
A. This game will be shown on Fox Sports USA English, fubo TV and VIX.
Q. Where will this match be shown in Spain?
A. TVE Spain will be showing this game.
Q. Where can one watch this game in Italy?
Q. RAI and Sky Italia Srl will be streaming this match live.
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