Italy vs Spain
The Azzurri against La Roja…it doesn’t get much better than that! And when it’s at the business end of Europe’s premier international competition it’s time to get the popcorn, put your feet up and enjoy.
Whichever team emerges from the Euro 2020 Italy vs Spain semi-final meets the winner of England vs Denmark in the Wembley showcase final on Sunday 11th July. That will be a fitting end to a fantastic competition which has seen some scintillating action, and passionate crowds once again back in stadia.
The Three Lions look in great shape having just thumped Ukraine 4-0 and have been installed as favourites to win the tournament, but whichever team emerges from this tie will fancy their chances whoever they face.
The Italy vs Spain betting odds point to a cracker of a game and, in keeping with the tournament so far, we’re expecting an all-action encounter with drama, bucket loads of tension… and goals.
Talking Points
Can Italy go all the way?
The Azzurri have been consistently the most impressive team during Euro 2020 and are now second-favourites to win the tournament. They won their group at a canter but then they beat the top-ranked team in world football to reach the semi-final.
Mancini’s men saw off Belgium’s Golden generation as Nicolo Barella scored the opener and then Lorenzo Insigne put daylight between Italy and the Red Devils, before Romelu Lukaku halved the deficit. Belgium came close to equalising as Kevin de Bruyne began to dominate, but Italy displayed all their defensive nous to see out the victory.
This is a more attacking side than we are used to seeing from the Azzurri and they have shared the goals around, with two each for Ciro Immobile, Manuel Locatelli, Insigne and Matteo Pessina. Midfield general Marco Verratti has made two assists and the defensive veterans Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgino Chiellini are as uncompromising as ever.
They have two huge games to navigate but, after missing out on qualification for World Cup 2018, this could be Italy’s redemption.
Spain’s nerve holds firm
Luis Enrique’s Spain are third-favourites, behind England and Italy, to win the tournament and, while they haven’t been firing on all cylinders, La Roja have toughed it out and managed to find a way to make it to the last four.
And at this stage, anyone can win it as the other semi-finalists, Denmark, proved when they upset all the odds to win the tournament back in 1992.
La Roja had to endure 120 minutes of gruelling football, and the stress of a penalty shootout, to see off Switzerland in the quarter-finals. The Swiss had beaten France on penalties in the Round of 16 and are always a tough nut to crack. And even with 10 men, following the harsh sending off of Remo Freuler, they pushed Spain all the way.
When Sergio Busquets smashed Spain’s first penalty against the post it looked grim, but keeper Unai Simon saved two Swiss shots while Dani Olmo, Gerard Moreno and Mikel Oyarzabal kept their nerves to win the shootout 3-1.
Main striker Alvaro Morata has suffered a frustrating tournament scoring two goals but missing a hatful of chances, while Pablo Sarabia has been in superb form, scoring two goals, and Manchester City’s Ferran Torres has been a livewire, contributing two goals as well.
They have had to work hard to reach the last four and La Roja won’t give up on their dreams now.
History
Since these two giants of European football began hostilities way back in 1934 there have been 17 competitive meetings, and La Roja have edged the head to head Italy vs Spain results, by six to five and there have been six draws.
The last meeting ended in a 3-0 victory for Spain during Italy’s disastrous World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign. Isco put La Roja in charge with a brace before Morata added a late third as Italy crashed out of contention.
Four years on the Azzurri have flown through this competition, with a 100 per cent record in qualifying and winning all three group games with a goals record of seven to zero, and navigating two difficult knockouts against Austria and Belgium.
Spain started the competition slowly, with two draws, before exploding into life with the 5-0 victory over Slovakia in their final group game, then beating two difficult opponents in Croatia and Switzerland.
Italy haven’t lost in 32 games, since the arrival of Mancini as boss transformed their fortunes, while La Roja are unbeaten in 12.
Betting Tip
 |
 |
Italy vs Spain | Over 2.5 @ 2.42 |
| July 7, 03:00 (GMT+8) |
At 2.52 the Azzurri are marginal favourites with Spain at SBOTOP odds of 2.73 and the draw (in 90 minutes) at 3.15. Both have long unbeaten runs and this will be an epic battle, but I am hopeful there will be goals.
For a correct score-line, 2-1 to Italy is at 8.75 and 2-1 to La Roja is at 11.00, which will mean ecstasy for one team and heartbreak for the other.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
|
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
