UEFA EURO 2024 Group Stage
20 June, 2024 - Indian Date
Veltins-Arena
MATCH TIMES
India
12:30 AM
UAE
11:00 PM
Saudi Arabia
09:45 PM
MATCH LIVE INFO
Spain possible starting lineup: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Italy possible starting lineup: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca
Match Preview
Spain vs. Italy: Euro 2024 Group B Showdown
Overview:
Two European football giants, Spain and Italy, will clash on Thursday evening in a pivotal Group B match of Euro 2024. Both teams secured victories in their opening fixtures, making this encounter crucial for their progression to the knockout stage.
Spain’s Performance and Strategy:
Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, saw his team dominate Croatia in their opener with a 3-0 halftime lead, thanks to goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal. The victory showcased Spain's offensive strength and defensive solidity, with Unai Simon saving a penalty. The introduction of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who assisted in the third goal, highlighted the depth and potential in the squad.
Historically successful in the European Championship, Spain has won three titles (1964, 2008, 2012) and are looking strong under De la Fuente, having lost only one of their last 11 competitive matches and winning the last seven. Spain’s recent success includes victories over Italy in the Nations League, but they have never beaten Italy three times consecutively.
Expected Lineup and Fitness Updates:
Spain will likely stick with a similar lineup to their win over Croatia, with Rodri and Morata returning to full training and expected to play. Aymeric Laporte remains doubtful due to an adductor injury, which means Nacho and Robin Le Normand could continue in central defense. Fabian Ruiz, who played a significant role in the opener, will aim to maintain his form.
Spain’s Possible Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Unai Simon
- Defenders: Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella
- Midfielders: Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz
- Forwards: Yamal, Morata, Williams
Italy’s Performance and Strategy:
Italy, the defending Euro champions, had a mixed start in their opener against Albania, conceding the fastest goal in Euros history after just 23 seconds. However, they quickly recovered with goals from Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella to secure a 2-1 win. Under Luciano Spalletti, Italy has lost just once in their last 12 matches, showing resilience and adaptability.
Italy remains unbeaten in their last 10 European Championship matches, with their last defeat dating back to 2016 against the Republic of Ireland. Aiming to replicate Spain’s back-to-back Euro wins, Italy will need to secure points against their strong Iberian rivals.
Expected Lineup and Fitness Updates:
Italy is likely to field an unchanged side, with all players available for training. Spalletti may adopt a more cautious approach with defensive-minded players like Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante potentially featuring to tighten up the midfield and defense.
Italy’s Possible Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Donnarumma
- Defenders: Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco
- Midfielders: Jorginho, Barella, Frattesi, Pellegrini
- Forwards: Chiesa, Scamacca
Prediction:
This match is set to be the 11th meeting between Spain and Italy at a major tournament, the highest number between any two European nations. Given Spain’s current form and diverse attacking options, coupled with Italy’s defensive vulnerabilities, Spain might have the edge. However, Italy’s historical resilience and tactical flexibility under Spalletti cannot be underestimated.
Score Prediction: Spain 2-1 Italy
Conclusion:
While both teams only need a point to likely secure progression, the match is bound to be fiercely contested, with pride and strategic positioning at stake. Spain's attacking prowess and Italy's defensive acumen will be critical in determining the outcome of this heavyweight encounter.