New Delhi: The highly anticipated UEFA Euro 2024 Group B encounter between European giants Spain and Italy will kick off at the Arena AufSchalke in Schalke tonight (June 20, Thursday). Both sides have showcased contrasting styles of play in Germany.
Reigning European champions Italy will face a tough test in their bid to defend the Europen title. The Italians take on the Spaniards, who are eyeing to add a fourth continental crown to their trophy cabinet following wins in 1964, 2008 and 2012 Euro. They have not lost a single match in 11 competitive games under head coach De la Fuente. The current run is their best since 2017 and their recent results against their opponent Italy in the ‘Group of Death’ give them an edge.
On the other hand, Italy got the upper hand over Spain three years ago and overcame them in penalties in the semifinal en route to Euro 2020 glory. After starting the defence of their title in the worst possible fashion against Albania their ultimate ambition is to make sure of progress to the knockout phase.
Team News
Aymeric Laporte is expected to remain sidelined due to an adductor injury. The other changes expected in de la Fuente’s squad are Dani Olmo and Alex Grimaldo getting spots in the starting XI.
Meanwhile, Italy can also alter the squad with the possible inclusion of Gianluca Mancini in place of Riccardo Calafiori and Bryan Cristante is expected to replace teammate Lorenzo Pellegrini to tighten up the midfield against the three-time champions.
Both Italian favourites Calafiori and Pellegrini are one yellow card away from getting a one-match suspension. Spain midfielder Rodri will miss the next match if he gets booked tonight.
Head-to-Head
This will be the 11th time both Spain and Germany will lock horns at a major tournament, across Euros eight and three times in the World Cups, a record between two European nations.
This will be their fifth consecutive European Championship which is also a record in itself. Italy have lost just one out of their 10 matches against Spain in the Euros and World Cup and the sole defeat came in the final at Euro 2012.
On the contrary, Spain have had the better of their previous meetings with Italy, winning their last two encounters. La Roja has successfully beaten the Azzurri’s in successive UEFA Nations League semi-finals but have never before won three consecutive matches against them.
Predicted lineup
Spain: Unai Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Fabián Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca
When, where and how to watch the Spain vs Italy match in India?
The Spain vs Italy UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 12:30 am IST tonight.
For Live Blog: Follow all the live action on News9Live‘s match blog!
The European heavyweights Spain and Italy after a great start lock horns with each other on the Matchday 2 to book their spot in the knockouts. Let’s take a look at who has a better hand at winning the game. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
