In one of the games of the group stage at Euro 2024, Spain take on Italy in Gelsenkirchen, with both sides having won their opening matches.
For the fifth successive European Championship, these two sides will meet. Italy won the last two meetings, in the semi-final at Euro 2020, and the round of 16 in 2016.
When is kick off?
Thursday 20th June, 20:00 (BST)
Where is the match?
Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen (Germany)
Spain vs Italy Team News
Spain frontman Alvaro Morata came off with a minor injury concern after netting in Saturday’s victory over Croatia, but should be cleared to go again from the start here.
Similarly, Italy were forced to substitute Federico Chiesa 10 minutes from time against Albania, but the Juventus attacker will be expected to play from the outset.
Spain vs Italy Probable XIs
Spain (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Italy (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Chiesa, Frattesi, Pellegrini; Scamacca
Spain vs Italy Key Battle
Crucial to the outcome of Thursday’s clash will be a midfield battle featuring two Premier League heavyweights, in Manchester City metronome Rodri and Arsenal controller Jorginho.
The Spanish midfielder, who starred as Pep Guardiola’s side won a fourth successive Premier League title last season, is a huge part of everything Luis de la Fuente wants his team to do. His ability to dictate the tempo in the middle of the park enables the likes of Fabian Ruiz and Pedri to maraud forward and support an exciting front three.
Jorginho, meanwhile, takes up a similar role for Luciano Spalletti alongside Inter’s Nicolo Barella, who slammed home a sumptuous winner against Albania on Saturday. Jorginho is thus far averaging the most accurate passes per game (130) of any player at the tournament.
Spain vs Italy Score Prediction: Spain 2-2 Italy
