European Championship: Spain – Italy

The most played game ever in the history of the Euro´s, as these sides meet for the 8th time in the history of this championship. Since Euro 2008, these sides have met in each edition, with winnings fairly divided. In 2008, France beat italy in the quarter final on their way to their first victory while the 2012 4-0 trashing in the final meant a 2nd title in a row. In 2016, Italy won in the groupstage while Italy edged Spain in a semi-final thriller in 2021. 

Spain Team News

Aymeric Laporte is back in the starting 11 after missing the last game due to injury. The born french man is a key player in the side at the back and will provide instrumental in the build up play from the back. Apart from Laporte, everyone is available for Spain and they will start in the same line up as last Saturday apart from Laporte. Never change a winning team of course. 

Italy Team News

Italy play in the same starting line up as in the game against Albania. With Calafiori and Bastoni the 2 centre back accompanied by Di Marco and DI Lorenzo on the backs. Jorginho and Frattesi will form the midfield together with star midfielder barella while Atalanta sensation Scamacca is the main striker for Italy again. Chiesa and Pellegrini will have to provide the creativity in this italy side coming in from the wing. 

Spain Form

Spain showed excellent form in their first game, beating Croatia convincingly with 3-0, a score that was reached already at half time. Spain easily dismantled the number 3 of the last world cup with quick direct football that we have not seen of them that often in the last years. Fabian Ruiz played very strong in midfield and added something that was lacking before. It will be interesting to see how their tactics will develop in the match against Italy, but Spain definitely look in form. 

Italy Form

Italy had quite a tough day in the office against Albania last Saturday. They even conceded the quickest European Championship in history with Emir Bajrami scoring in the first minute. Italy´s form and journey towards the euro has been rocky, with a tough fight against Ukraine necessary to book their tickets in a poule that also featured England. Despite being the defending champions not many estimate italy to be able to go all the way. But with italians you never know of course. 

What do the stats say?

• Italy unbeaten in 7 games
• Spain have won 3 out of the last 4 fixtures against Italy
• In the last 4 matches in the Euro´s between these 2 teams, both teams have won twice. 

Our verdict

A cracking game between 2 legendary teams. Who will edge it is difficult to say as historical stats are counting both ways. Sometimes Italy wins, sometimes Spain wins. We definitely see spectacle happening here and hope for a great game.