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By Seyi Babalola
Spain and Italy will face off in the highly anticipated matchday two of Group B at Euro 2024 on Thursday by 8 pm.
The clash is set in Gelsenkirchen for what promises to be an exciting match between championship rivals Italy and Spain.
Spain, the three-time European winners, come into this encounter fresh off a 3-0 triumph against Croatia in their opening game.
The victory highlighted Spain’s impressive form, reflecting their strong qualification campaign in which they won seven of eight matches.
However, revenge will be on their minds as they look to reverse recent history against Italy, having been ousted by the Azzurri in the last two Euro championships.
Spain and Italy have a tightly matched historical record, with Spain winning 13 games to Italy’s 11 and drawing 16 times.
The chance of extending this advantage adds to an already charged atmosphere, with Spain hoping for an early qualification to the knockout rounds with a win.
Italy, the current European Championship holders, enter this match off a hard-fought comeback victory over Albania in their opener.
Despite conceding the fastest goal in tournament history, Italy fought to clinch a key victory under manager Luciano Spalletti.
Spain vs Italy – possible starting line-ups
Spain (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Fabián Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Morata, Nico Williams.
Italy (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Chiesa, Frattesi, Pellegrini; Scamacca.
Ahead of the much anticipated game, Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach said: “[Italy] are contenders in every international competition. Spain vs Italy is a classic game, it could very easily be the final. They have great players, a great coach, and a real football culture. They’re one of the great national teams. I’m sure it’ll be a great show and a great game. It will be a contest worthy of this competition. We’ll do our best to win it.”
Also, Luciano Spalletti, Italy coach said: “When you play a EURO, all games are finals, all games are unique, all games are something to remember. We want to play the same kind of football we played against Albania and measure ourselves against one of the strongest teams in Europe. I’m sure that if we leave the ball to them, it will end badly for us. So we will have to take the initiative and see if we manage to do so against such great opponents.”
The match will be broadcast on GOtv and DStv. On GOtv channel 61, and DStv channels 222 and 225, respectively.
