This highly anticipated showdown brings together two European powerhouses known for their rich footballing history and exceptional talent. Spain, renowned for their possession-based style and technical brilliance, will go head-to-head against Italy’s solid defensive organization and deadly counter-attacking prowess. With a place in the finals at stake, both teams are ready to leave everything on the field in a repeat of the captivating Euro 2020 semi-final.
Who'll have the biggest impact? 💪#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/voA0ZxorWE
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 15, 2023
Team News:
Spain are without star midfielder Pedri. Rodri and Aymeric Laporte have joined up with the Spain squad following the Champions League Final on Saturday evening.
Italy have all of their players fit and available. Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella and Federico Dimarco are with the squad after Saturday’s match.
Key Players:
Spain: Gavi
At just 18, Gavi has already displayed remarkable composure and maturity beyond his years. With his exceptional dribbling skills, precise passing, and incredible vision, he has the ability to unlock defenses and create scoring opportunities. Gavi’s fearless approach, coupled with his agility and close control, makes him a nightmare for opposing defenders. Against Italy, just like when these two sides last faced, Gavi’s youthful exuberance and fearlessness could prove to be a game-changer for Spain, injecting creativity, unpredictability, and excitement into their gameplay.
Italy: Federico Chiesa
Blessed with blistering pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and a keen eye for goal, Chiesa is a dynamic force in Italian football. His ability to take on defenders with confidence and precision makes him a constant threat down the flanks. Chiesa’s versatility allows him to seamlessly switch positions and exploit spaces in the opposition’s defense. Whether cutting inside to unleash powerful shots or delivering pinpoint crosses into the box, his offensive contributions are invaluable. He is in good form, with two goals in his final three Serie A games. With his knack for scoring crucial goals in big games, such as his semi-final goal against Spain in the Euro 2020 semi-final, Chiesa has the potential to be the game-changer that leads Italy to victory in this crucial clash.
Match Stats:
- Spain and Italy have a long history of clashes, they have faced each other other 30 times since 1924. More recently, in the last six ties between the two sides, Spain have won two, there have been two draws, and Italy have won two, including the semi-final of Euro 2020 which they subsequently won.
Spain:
- Spain are in a bad run of form, losing three of their last four games.
- Spain’s last result was a 2-0 defeat to Scotland. Before that, they had not lost a game without scoring since 2016.
Italy:
- Italy are also not in their finest form, losing two of their last three
- They haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last four games
Spain are 8/13 to qualify on bet365. Italy are the underdog at 6/5 on bet365.
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By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
