Spain and Italy will meet in their second UEFA Euro 2024 Group B match on Thursday 20 June at the VELTINS-Arena, Gelsenkirchen. Both teams are aiming to secure progress to the knockout stage with a win.
Spain got off to a good start, defeating Croatia in their first game with a commanding 3-0 win. All three goals came in the first half and set a confident tone for La Roja in the so-called ‘Group of Death’.
On the other hand, Italy had a more difficult time in the beginning. They fell behind to Albania after just 23 seconds but bounced back to win 2-1 and secure crucial points in what was expected to be the easiest game in the group.
Spain recently found success against Italy, winning back-to-back UEFA Nations League semi-finals. However, they have never beaten Italy in three consecutive matches. Euro 2020 champions Italy have lost just one of their last 12 games under new coach Luciano Spalletti.
A draw could be enough to send both teams through to the last 16, but pride and past rivalries add extra spice to this encounter.
Team news
Spain will have Rodri and Alvaro Morata available for the match against Italy, having fully recovered from fitness concerns following the win over Croatia.
Aymeric Laporte, who missed the opening match, could return to the bench. Nacho and Robin Le Normand are likely to continue as centre-backs. Dani Olmo and Alex Grimaldo are contenders for starting positions, but few changes are expected from coach Luis de la Fuente.
Italy also have a fully fit squad. Head coach Luciano Spalletti could opt for a cautious approach. Gianluca Mancini could replace Riccardo Calafiori in defense and Bryan Cristante could take Lorenzo Pellegrini’s place in midfield.
Nicolo Barella, with five goals in his last seven games, is certainly a confirmed starter. Genoa striker Mateo Retegui is looking to replace Gianluca Scamacca up front.
Spain starting lineup: (4-3-3): Simon (GK) — Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella — Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz — Lamine Yamal, Morata, Williams.
Italy starting lineup: (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma (GK) — Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco — Jorginho, Barella — Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa — Scamacca.
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