UEFA Euro 2024: Is Spain vs Italy on TV? kick-off, team news, predictions & where to watch
19/06/2024 – UEFA European Championship – (Group Stage – Group B)
Venue: Arena AufSchalk
Two European giants – Spain and Italy – go head-to-head in match day 2. Both Italy and Spain won their opening matches, and tonight’s game could help decide who takes the group’s top spot.
Match preview
Spain’s Dominant Start to Euro 2024
When Spain coach Luis de la Fuente sent his team out at Berlin’s Olympiastadion for their Euro 2024 opener, he likely didn’t anticipate such a commanding first half. Spain took a stunning three-goal lead over Croatia, thanks to goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal. Morata’s goal marked his entry into double figures at major tournaments, while Carvajal became the oldest Spanish scorer at a European Championship.
Adding to the excitement, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, the youngest player in the competition, created Spain’s third goal. Goalkeeper Unai Simon’s penalty save further highlighted a composed performance that positions Spain as strong contenders for the trophy this summer.
Having won the European Championship in 1964, 2008, and 2012, Spain is aiming for a fourth title. Under De la Fuente, they have lost just one of 11 competitive games and have won their last seven, their best run since 2017. Spain’s next challenge in the ‘Group of Death’ is Italy, whom they have beaten in successive UEFA Nations League semi-finals.
Italy’s title defence shaky start
When Spain and Italy meet in Gelsenkirchen, a draw might suffice for both teams to advance to the last 16, potentially allowing De la Fuente to rest key players against Albania. However, pride will be at stake. Italy famously defeated Spain on penalties three years ago on their way to Euro 2020 victory.
Italy, now led by Luciano Spalletti, started their title defence shakily but recovered to take maximum points against Albania. Despite Nedim Bajrami’s record-setting goal for fastest in Euros history, Italy bounced back with goals from Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella.
Italy remains unbeaten in their last 10 European Championship games, their last defeat in the competition being against the Republic of Ireland eight years ago. While considered outsiders this summer, the Azzurri aim to become only the second team to win consecutive Euros, following Spain’s footsteps. First, they must ensure they progress to the knockout phase.
Team News
Spain Team News
Spain’s Rodri and Alvaro Morata have been confirmed fit and participated in full training, easing concerns after their win over Croatia. Both players will be available for the upcoming match on Thursday. However, Aymeric Laporte is still dealing with an adductor injury and may remain on the bench, with Nacho and Robin Le Normand likely to continue as the central defensive pair.
Morata, who captains the team, has scored 10 goals in 15 major tournament appearances, second only to David Villa’s 13 for Spain. In midfield, Fabian Ruiz aims to build on his strong performance against Croatia, where he assisted Morata’s opener and scored the second goal.
Unai Simon will continue as the goalkeeper, holding off competition from David Raya, despite needing a minor wrist operation after the Euros. Few changes are expected in Luis de la Fuente’s lineup, although Dani Olmo and Alex Grimaldo are pushing for a place in the starting XI.
Italy Team News
Italy, on the other hand, can field an unchanged side as all their players trained after the win over Albania. Coach Luciano Spalletti hinted at a flexible formation, with potential personnel changes suggesting a more cautious approach. Gianluca Mancini might replace the more attacking Riccardo Calafiori at center-back, and Bryan Cristante could come in for Lorenzo Pellegrini to strengthen the midfield. Both Calafiori and Pellegrini are one yellow card away from suspension but are still expected to start.
Nicolo Barella is a certainty to play, having been involved in five goals in his last seven Italy appearances. The Inter star aims to score in three consecutive internationals for the first time. Up front, Genoa striker Mateo Retegui is pushing to replace Gianluca Scamacca, who had a frustrating game in Dortmund.
As both teams prepare for their clash in Gelsenkirchen, the match promises to be a significant test in the so-called ‘Group of Death’.
Where to watch?
The match will kick off at 20:00 BST on Thursday 20 June in VELTINS-Arena.
The fixture will be shown live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Predicted lineups
Spain possible starting lineup:
Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Italy possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca
Predictions
This will be the 11th encounter between Spain and Italy at a major tournament – a record between two European nations. Now meeting for the fifth straight Euros, they have been familiar foes in the Nations League too, and La Roja’s run of success over the Azzurri could continue. A more diverse attacking approach paid dividends against Croatia, while Italy’s defence remains dubious, so it may be Spain celebrating safe passage to the last 16. Spain 2-1 Italy – (Sportsmole)
On the evidence of the first game, Spain’s midfield control and attacking verve should be too much for an Italy side who were at times pedestrian against Albania. Spain’s defence were hardly tested in their first match, though Italy’s attack was too often ineffective in their opener. Though Bastoni and Calafiori were impressive against Albania, their chances are a sign that Spain will get plenty of opportunities. Spain 2-1 Italy – (Independent)