Euro 2024: Spain vs. Italy: Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

While the 3-0 scoreline may have flattered Spain in their previous match against Croatia, their upcoming clash with Italy is expected to be a much tighter affair, as history suggests these two teams rarely produce one-sided encounters. However, Spain's individual brilliance could prove decisive. Players like Lamine Yamal and Pedri, who have already made their mark on this tournament, possess the match-winning quality that could unlock a stubborn Italian defense.

Italy's unexpected concession against Albania, coupled with Unai Simon's outstanding performance for Spain in their previous match, suggests that both teams will likely find the back of the net. Federico Chiesa, Italy's standout performer and a constant threat, could once again be the difference-maker. For Spain, Rodri's prowess on set pieces and penalties could prove valuable. Meanwhile, the battle between Alessandro Bastoni and Alvaro Morata, a master at drawing fouls, could be a key subplot, potentially leading to dangerous free-kick opportunities. Despite these individual battles, with the closely contested nature of these historic rivals, we're going with a 1-1 draw prediction

The Euro 2024 match between Spain and Italy promises to be a fascinating contest, with both teams entering the game in good form after their opening victories. Spain currently top Group B after a commanding performance against Croatia, while Italy sit second following a solid win over Albania. This match is set to be pivotal in determining which team will finish at the top of the group, with both nations boasting rich footballing histories and high expectations.

• Date: 20/06/2024
• Kick-off time: 20:00
• Location: Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen

Spain's emphatic victory over Croatia in their opening match caught the attention of the rest of the continent. Despite not being as heavily tipped as other major contenders like France, England, Germany, and Portugal, Spain's performance was one of the most impressive so far. Under the guidance of manager Luis de la Fuente, Spain displayed a new tactical approach that has breathed fresh life into their campaign.

In recent years, Spain had become synonymous with the "death by 1000 passes" style of play, which, despite its aesthetic appeal, often saw them struggle to convert dominance into victories in major tournaments. However, against Croatia, Spain adopted a more direct and effective style. This tactical shift paid dividends, as they not only controlled the game but also created numerous scoring opportunities.

One of the standout performers was 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who made history as the youngest player to appear in the finals of a European Championship. Yamal's performance on the right wing was electric; he showcased his immense talent by providing an assist and constantly troubling the Croatian defence. His display has justified the pre-tournament hype and marked him as one to watch in the coming matches.

Fabián Ruiz, often an unsung hero, also delivered a fine performance. His ability to link play and maintain possession under pressure was crucial in Spain's midfield dominance. Together with Yamal, Ruiz's efforts ensured that Spain's attack remained potent throughout the match.

Italy's 1-0 victory over Albania was a testament to their ability to grind out results, even when not playing their most attractive football. Missing several key players due to injury, Italy still managed to deliver an impressive performance that highlighted their efficiency and tactical discipline, hallmarks of Luciano Spalletti's management.

Riccardo Calafiori, the 22-year-old centre-back of Bologna, made his tournament debut and emerged as a standout performer. His composure and defensive acumen were instrumental in keeping Albania at bay, and his performance has given Italy a significant boost at the back.

In midfield, Nicolò Barella once again demonstrated why he is considered Italy's most talented player. His vision, passing, and athletic contributions were evident as he orchestrated Italy's play from the centre of the park. Federico Chiesa, on the right wing, showed glimpses of his brilliance and determination to replicate his heroics from Euro 2020, providing Italy with a constant threat going forward.

Italy's performance, while not overly entertaining, was effective and domineering. They lived up to their historical reputation of being a tough side to break down and demonstrated their capacity to secure vital points in the group stage.

The clash between Spain and Italy is expected to be a tactical battle. Spain's new direct approach under Luis de la Fuente will be put to the test against Italy's solid defensive setup. The midfield contest between Spain's creative players and Italy's well-rounded midfielders will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.

Yamal's pace and creativity on the right wing will be a significant test for Italy's defence, particularly for Calafiori, who will need to replicate his debut performance to contain the young Spanish prodigy. Meanwhile, Barella's ability to influence the game from midfield will be critical for Italy, as he will look to provide the link between defence and attack and create opportunities for Chiesa and the other forwards.

Spain and Italy have a rich history of encounters in major tournaments, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this match. Spain have edged the recent head-to-head meetings, winning three of the last five encounters, while Italy have won just one, with the other ending in a draw. This recent history suggests a slight advantage for Spain, but Italy's resilience and tactical nous cannot be underestimated.

The most notable recent encounter between these two sides was in the semi-finals of Euro 2020. In that match, Spain were the better side over the 90 minutes and extra time, but Italy eventually triumphed in a penalty shootout. This history adds a sense of rivalry and unfinished business to their upcoming clash.

Both Spain and Italy will be desperate to top Group B, as finishing first can potentially offer a more favourable draw in the knockout stages. This adds significant importance to their match, with both teams knowing that a win could be decisive in securing the group's top spot.

Spain, buoyed by their impressive opening performance, will look to build on their momentum and continue their direct and effective style of play. Meanwhile, Italy will aim to maintain their defensive solidity and look for opportunities to exploit Spain on the counter-attack.

Spain Team News:

Spain are unlikely to make too many changes coming into this game following such an emphatic win.

Centre-back Aymeric Laporte missed the team's opener with injury and seems likely to miss out again here, so Real Madrid's Nacho should continue to partner Robin Le Normand at the heart of the defence.

Italy Team News:

Like their opponents, the Italians are likely to opt with continuity coming into this one.

It feels unlikely that such a strong-performing defence will be tampered with, and the midfield trio of Jorginho, Barella and Davide Frattesi feels well equipped to go to battle with what Spain have to offer.

Spain's locked horns with Croatia in Berlin on Saturday afternoon and the game could not have gone much better for La Roja. A cute through ball from Fabián Ruiz sent Álvaro Morata galloping through on the Croatia goal, only for the Atlético Madrid striker to finish with impressive confidence.

Not long after, Ruiz himself scored a fine solo goal to double Spain's lead before a fine Lamine Yamal cross was converted by Dani Carvajal to make it 3-0 before half-time.

The win did not come without jeopardy, though, as Spain's defence lived a charmed life at times, but despite Croatia missing a host of chances, including a penalty kick, the Spaniards hung on for a clean sheet and an emphatic scoreline. Given their favourable goal difference, this is a result that all but confirms Spain's place in the last 16.

This result came off the back of a mixed qualifying campaign, or at least one that started in fairly average fashion but improved dramatically as it progressed.

For a second, Italy looked like they were going to be stunned by one of the tournament's biggest underdogs in their opener against Albania. Italy conceded the fastest goal in the history of the competition as Federico Dimarco's sloppy throw-in played Nedim Bajrami through on goal, with the Albanian finishing impressively from a tight angle.

Despite this, Italy responded admirably and equalised through a towering Alessandro Bastoni header, before an exquisite first-time finish from the edge of the box by Nicolò Barella completed the turnaround just five minutes later.

Italy displayed an impressive degree of control in this game and looked a much more efficient side than they showed themselves to be during qualification, where they only scraped a 2nd placed finish.

This game will be aired live to all U.K. viewers on ITV1 and the ITVX website and app.

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