Euro 2024: Spain and Italy in Battle for Group B Dominance

Spain vs Italy

In the Euro 2024 match of the week Spain and Italy have a chance to book their place in the knockout phase when they meet on Thursday in a Group B blockbuster.

Both nations started with a victory and are well placed to escape the Group of Death unscathed, and a win at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen will take the victors through with a game to spare.

La Roja are arguably in the stronger position after the opening fixtures as Luis de la Fuente’s Spain beat Croatia 3-0 while Luciano Spalletti guided the Azzurri to a 2-1 win over neighbours Albania. The latest Euro 2024 betting odds make these two teams the fifth and sixth favourites for the title, but Italy had the easier start on paper and with Spain and Croatia still to play Spalletti’s team needs to dig out some strong performances.   

 

Talking Points

New look La Roja carry more threat

Spain put on a supreme display against Croatia but the manner of the win also signalled a change in the way they play. The game ended a run of 136 consecutive fixtures in which Spain had the most possession, dating back 16 years to their Euro Final win over Germany in 2008. But goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal made it a comfortable night for the Spaniards and they could have scored more against a strong Croatia team.

With Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, the youngest player in the tournament’s history, on one flank and the quick footed Nico Williams on the other Spain’s passing was less ponderous and more incisive, turning defence into attack quickly. Both young wingers will start against Italy and are sure to dazzle in the Euro 2024 highlights, while captain Morata should also be available; he was subbed in the second half with a knock but the Atletico Madrid man insists it isn’t too serious. Meanwhile, midfield anchor Rodri also came through unscathed and the Manchester City star will be a vital cog in Spain’s title chasing team.     

 

Nicola Barella is Italy’s go to man

In their opener Albania gave the Azzurri an early scare with a goal in just 23 seconds as Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest goal of the tournament so far. But the reigning European champions fought back quickly as Alessandro rose highest to head in a cross from Lorenzo Pellegrini. And within 16 minutes Italy were ahead as attacking midfielder Nicolo Barella hammered an Albania clearance back into the net with a lovely strike. The Inter Milan play-maker has been tracked by the top clubs in Europe, but has been reported in the Italian press to have agreed terms with I Nerazzurri on an extended contract, and he is one of Italy’s most influential players; compared in style with Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne and Germany legend Toni Kroos. There was some worry over his fitness in the run up to the tournament but Spalletti was happy he was 100 per cent and Barella came through the clash with Albania unscathed.

Italy’s win over Albania, once they were over their early scare, was more comfortable than the score line suggests but they will have a tougher examination against La Roja. Full backs Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Federico Dimarco will have their work cut out against Yamal and Williams; meanwhile Jorginho will aim to stay in the midfield battle against the excellent Rodri and he will try to give Barella the space to work.     

 

History

Spain have won eight of their head to heads with Italy to the Azzurri’s six and there have been six draws in all competitions. The last meeting a 2023 semi-final Nations League clash went the way of the Spanish by 2-1 as Joselu scored a late winner.

Both teams come into the game in strong form with four wins each from the last six games; though Italy have drawn the other two while La Roja have drawn one and lost one.     

 

Betting Tip

Spain are at SBOTOP odds of 2.12 to win this box office clash, with Italy priced at 3.27 and the draw is 3.09. I’m expecting an entertaining clash between two strong sides, each with a win under their belts and a huge incentive.

There are a host of attacking players in the game; Morata, Yamal and Williams are the spearhead of the new look La Roja while Barella and strikers Gianluca Scammaca and Federico Chiesa will set their sights on the Spain goal. 

This could go either way but, if I have to make a choice, for a correct score 2-1 to Spain is priced at 8.29.   

   

●●●

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.