The second matchday of the Euros began yesterday with a couple big and surprising results. Today, play resumes with arguably the biggest game in the tournament so far: Spain VS Italy. Interestingly, these two sides have faced each other five times in the last four Euros, from 2008 to 2020. This includes the EURO 2012 final where Spain thrashed the Italians 4-0. However, in the last two editions, Italy eliminated Spain, balancing out the encounters (2 wins apiece and a draw). With these teams having met on so many occasions recently, let’s take a look at how this clash of titans in Group B might pan out today.
Spain
Spain perhaps had the most convincing performance of the tournament so far in matchday one by beating Croatia 3-0. La Roja have struggled in recent tournaments, only getting past the Round of 16 in the last edition of the Euros after their win in 2012, where they lost to Italy on penalties in the semifinal. This year’s Spanish team is a rejuvinated one, but nonetheless full of talented and even experienced players like Rodri and Morata. On the wings, they boast two of the best young players in Europe in Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. The battle against Italy will be won in midfield, however. The quality of Pedri and Rodri will need to be in full effect if they are to minimize Barella’s dynamism and take Jorginho off the ball to disrupt the passing lines towards Chiesa and Scamacca up front. Spain have demonstrated against Croatia, and in the games preceding the tournament, that they can go very deep at these Euros, and are perhapos even in the top 4 favourites as well. This game is surely going to be one to watch, and we can’t wait!
Italy
On the toher hand, Italy has had a massively inconsistent couple of years on the international stage. The Azzurri failed to qualify for either of the last two World Cups (2018 and 2022) but won the last edition of the Euros in 2021 at Wembley Stadium. The Italian have performed very well in each of the last three Euros, reacing the final twice (2012 and 2020), and losing on penalties to Germany in the Quarterfinals in 2016. The team may not bee as solid as the victorious one from three years ago, but it certainly does not lack talent. While stalwarts like Bonucci and Xhillini have retired, promising players like Bastoni and Calafiori have stepped uo at the back. In midfield and up front they can still boast the likes of Chiesa and Barella, who were instrumental in the last Euros win. After deferating Albania 2-1 in the first matchday, Italy sit level on points with Spain in the group. A win for the Italians could mean finishing top of the group, however I see a draw as the likeliest result in today’s clash. Spain to score first is a good call as well at 1.78, but don’t expect too many goals in this one.
Spain to Win – 2.28
Draw – 3.26
Italy to Win – 3.64
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