Spain coach Luis de la Fuente's side impressed in their Euro 2024 opener at Berlin's Olympiastadion, storming to a three-goal lead over Croatia by halftime. Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal all scored before the break. Morata reached double figures in major tournaments, and Carvajal became the oldest Spanish scorer at a Euros.
Fielding the tournament's youngest player, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who assisted their third goal, and with Unai Simon saving a penalty, Spain's performance suggests they are strong contenders for the trophy.
European champions in 1964, 2008, and 2012, Spain aims to add a fourth title, having lost just one of 11 competitive games under De la Fuente, winning the last seven. This is their best run since 2017, and their recent success against Italy in successive UEFA Nations League semi-finals adds to their confidence.
When they meet Italy in Gelsenkirchen, a draw could see both teams through to the last 16, potentially allowing De la Fuente to rest key players against Albania. However, pride will be at stake. Italy, though recently overshadowed by Spain, memorably beat them on penalties en route to Euro 2020 glory.
Since losing to Spain in the Nations League last June, Italy has been defeated only once in their next 12 matches, winning eight. Luciano Spalletti has revitalized the squad after a decline under Roberto Mancini.
Despite a rocky start to their title defense, Italy quickly bounced back in their Group B match against Albania. Sassuolo's Nedim Bajrami set a Euros record for the fastest goal, scoring after just 23 seconds, but Italy responded swiftly with Alessandro Bastoni equalizing and Nicolo Barella putting them ahead.
Unbeaten in 10 European Championship games, Italy's last defeat in the competition was eight years ago against the Republic of Ireland. Though considered outsiders this summer, Italy aspires to become the second team to win consecutive Euros, following Spain. First, they need to ensure they progress to the knockout phase.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Addressing concerns about their fitness after last week's win over Croatia, both Rodri and Alvaro Morata have participated in full training and will be ready for Thursday's match.However, Aymeric Laporte is still dealing with an adductor injury. The France-born defender missed Spain's opening match entirely and may now find himself on the bench, with Nacho and Robin Le Normand likely continuing as the central defenders.
Morata, who captains the team, has now scored 10 goals in 15 major tournament appearances for Spain, trailing only David Villa's 13. In midfield, Fabian Ruiz aims to build on his strong performance against Croatia, where he assisted Morata's opener and scored the second goal.
Unai Simon remains the first-choice goalkeeper despite facing competition from David Raya. Simon will need a minor wrist operation after the Euros but will continue to play in the meantime. Luis de la Fuente is expected to make few, if any, changes to the lineup, though Dani Olmo and Alex Grimaldo are contenders for a starting spot.
Italy, on the other hand, can also field an unchanged side in Gelsenkirchen, with all players available for training after their victory over Albania. Coach Luciano Spalletti is flexible with his formations but might opt for a more cautious approach. Gianluca Mancini, a more conservative center-back compared to the attacking Riccardo Calafiori, could be a tactical change. Bryan Cristante might replace his Roma teammate Lorenzo Pellegrini to strengthen the midfield.
Both Calafiori and Pellegrini are one yellow card away from suspension but are still expected to start. Nicolo Barella is certain to play, having contributed five goals in his last seven appearances for Italy. The Inter star will be aiming to score in three consecutive internationals for the first time in his career.
Up front, Genoa striker Mateo Retegui is looking to replace recent Europa League winner Gianluca Scamacca, who had a frustrating night in Dortmund.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
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
EXPERT PREDICTION
Spain 1-1 Italy
This match will mark the 11th encounter between Spain and Italy at a major tournament, setting a record for two European nations. Meeting for the fifth consecutive Euros and frequently clashing in the Nations League, Spain's recent successes against Italy might continue.
Spain's diverse attacking strategy worked well against Croatia, while Italy's defense still seems shaky. As a result, Spain might be the ones celebrating a spot in the last 16.
