Spain vs Italy: Round of 16 at stake as Euro 2024 favourites clash

Spain vs Italy: Round of 16 at stake as Euro 2024 favourites clash

Eric Munene 10:45 - 20.06.2024

In a highly anticipated encounter at Euro 2024, two of Europe's footballing powerhouses, Spain and Italy, will meet in matchday two of Group B.

The stage is set in Gelsenkirchen for what promises to be a thrilling showdown between title contenders Italy and Spain.

Spain, three-time European champions, enter this match buoyed by a commanding 3-0 victory over Croatia in their opening fixture.

The win underscored Spain's formidable form, echoing their dominant qualifying campaign where they won seven out of eight matches.

However, revenge will be on their minds as they aim to overturn recent history against Italy, having been eliminated by the Azzurri in the last two Euro tournaments.

The historical record between Spain and Italy is finely balanced, with Spain holding a slight edge of 13 wins to Italy's 11, alongside 16 draws.

The prospect of extending this advantage adds spice to an already charged atmosphere, with Spain eyeing an early qualification to the knockout stages with a victory.

Italy, the current holders of the European Championship, come into this clash after a hard-fought comeback win against Albania in their opener.

Despite conceding the earliest goal in tournament history, Italy rallied to secure a crucial victory under the guidance of manager Luciano Spalletti.

A win against Spain would not only reaffirm their status as contenders but also mark their fifth consecutive progression into the knockout rounds of the Euros.

Key players

Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal, at just 16 years and 338 days old, became the youngest player in Euro history during matchday one, making an immediate impact with an assist.

On the other hand, Italy's Federico Chiesa, remembered for his goal against Spain at Euro 2020, continues to impress with his recent contributions for club and country.

Both teams boast impressive statistics heading into this encounter. Spain have been lethal in the first half, scoring 10 goals in their last four matches, while Italy's resilience is underscored by five wins from their last seven outings.