football | Utorak, Jun 18, 2024 8:27 AM

Spain vs Italy Prediction: Euro 2024 Team News and Lineups Preview

Daniele Fisichella

As match day one of Euro 2024 concludes, attention shifts to the eagerly anticipated clash in Gelsenkirchen as our Italian football expert, Daniele Fisichella, has prepared Spain vs Italy prediction, team news, lineups and Euro 2024 preview.

This Euro classic, with the two sides meeting five times in the last four tournaments, promises a showcase of footballing prowess and tactical intrigue. It pits Spain’s revitalized attacking style against Italy’s resilient defence and strategic brilliance.

Spain vs Italy Tip 1: Both Teams To Score – Yes
Spain vs Italy Tip 2: Over 2.25 Goals Asian Line
Spain vs Italy Tip 3: Spain or Draw and Over 2 Goals (Bet Builder)

Spain vs Italy Prediction 1: La Roja’s new approach paid off

Euro 2024, Thursday, June 20th, 20:00 (UK)

Spain arrives at this stage brimming with confidence, having delivered a masterclass in attacking football against Croatia.

In a departure from their traditional possession-based style, Luis de la Fuente’s men unleashed a more direct approach that caught their opponents off guard.

Spearheaded by emerging talents like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Spain’s youthful exuberance and incisive play saw them dominate proceedings against the Croats, culminating in a convincing 3-0 victory.

The blend of speed, creativity, and clinical finishing showcased by Spain in that match underscored their potential to unsettle even the most organised defences.

Italy’s debut was marked by their trademark resilience, overcoming an early setback to dispatch Albania with authority. Goals from Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolò Barella highlighted Italy’s ability to seize control of games swiftly, while their disciplined approach ensured they maintained their lead with composure.

Considering Spain’s ability to score freely (they have netted three goals or more in six of their last seven matches) and Italy’s talent, a high-scoring affair could be very likely.

However, despite their strengths, both sides have also shown vulnerabilities in defence.

Spain risked conceding against Croatia, while Italy went behind early against Albania and almost let in a second in the final minutes of the game.

Spain vs Italy Prediction 1: Both Teams To Score – Yes (TRACKED BET)
Best Odds: 1.83
Bookmaker: bet365
Stake: 10/10

Spain vs Italy Prediction 2: good on the eyes, potential winners?

La Roja’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, the architect behind Spain’s resurgence, has instilled a philosophy focused on purposeful possession and effective transitions, a stark contrast to their previous iterations.

This evolution was evident in their opening match, where goals from Álvaro Morata, Fabián Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal highlighted their ability to strike swiftly and decisively.

Last Saturday’s performance not only signalled a tactical shift but also hinted at a new era dawning for La Roja, one defined by a blend of tradition and innovation under De la Fuente’s astute guidance.

On the other hand, Luciano Spalletti’s squad boasts a formidable array of talent, with the likes of Jorginho orchestrating play from midfield and Federico Chiesa posing a constant threat in attack.

Italy’s recent unbeaten streak across all competition, five wins and two draws, attests to their cohesion and ability to perform under pressure, qualities that will be crucial against such a vibrant Spanish side.

Historically, encounters between Spain and Italy have been closely contested affairs, often decided by moments of individual brilliance or tactical masterstrokes.

Recent meetings in major tournaments, including Euro 2020 and the 2021 and 2023 Nations League semifinals, have seen both teams test each other’s strengths and exploit weaknesses, and have always ended with both teams scoring at least once.

Spain vs Italy Prediction 2: Over 2.25 Goals Asian Line (TRACKED BET)
Best Odds: 1.90
Bookmaker: bet365
Stake: 9/10

Spain vs Italy Prediction 3: another showdown for the ages

As they prepare to renew their rivalry on the Euro 2024 stage, Spain will look to replicate their match-day one heroics, banking on their attacking flair and newfound directness to unsettle Italy’s well-drilled defence.

The pace and creativity of Yamal and Williams could prove decisive, especially in exploiting any gaps left by Italy’s defensive setup.

Conversely, Italy’s game plan will likely hinge on their ability to stifle Spain’s attacking forays and capitalise on their own chances. Spalletti’s emphasis on disciplined defending and controlled possession will be crucial in nullifying Spain’s threats while leveraging the pace and skills of Chiesa, Barella and Dimarco on the break.

With a place in the Last 16 at stake, this clash between Spain and Italy promises to be a showdown for the ages. A battle of styles and philosophies that encapsulates the beauty and unpredictability of international football.

For Spain, it’s an opportunity to cement their resurgence and stake a claim for continental glory once more. For Italy, it’s a chance to continue their steady ascent and reaffirm their status among Europe’s elite.

Spain vs Italy Prediction 3: Spain or Draw and Over 2 Goals (Bet Builder) (TRACKED BET)
Best Odds: 2.80
Bookmaker: bet365
Stake: 4/10

Spain vs Italy Prediction odds via bet365 as at 12:10, June 17th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Spain vs Italy Euro 2024 Team News and Possible Lineups: a chance for Fagioli?

Spalletti is considering sticking with the lineup that featured in the first official outing in Germany. Scamacca could continue to lead the attack (but keep an eye on the possibility of Retegui starting from the first minute), with Chiesa operating alongside him. The biggest uncertainties lie in midfield: there’s a chance for Fagioli, who has recovered and scored in the last friendly.

Meanwhile, in the Spanish camp, attention is focused on Rodri and Morata, who suffered from a couple of heavy challenges in the clash against Croatia.

Spain possible starting lineup:
Unai Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Fabián Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Morata, Nico Williams

Italy possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca.

Euro 2024 Match Stats: record chasers and unbeaten streaks

Against Croatia, Spain secured only their second-ever tournament-opening victory by three or more goals. The last time they achieved such a feat was with a 4-1 win against Russia back in Euro 2008.
Álvaro Morata’s goal not only propelled Spain to victory but also elevated him to second place (10 goals) in Spain’s all-time scorers list at major international tournaments trailing only David Villa (13 goals).
Italy extended their unbeaten streak in European Championship matches to 10 games for only the second time in their history.
Federico Chiesa became the first player at a European Championship to record at least three shots, complete four successful dribbles, and win possession in the final third at least three times since Denmark’s Mikkel Damsgaard in 2021.

Spain Group B Euro 2024 Fixtures: in Düsseldorf for the last game

Vs Albania (MD 3)

Italy Group B Euro 2024 Fixtures: against the old foes

Vs Croatia (MD 3)

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