Spain vs. Italy Prediction on June 20, 2024

Match info

With both sides coming into the game off strong first-round wins, the men’s 2024 UEFA European Football Championship encounter between Spain and Italy in Germany looks to be an exciting affair. After a dominant performance against Croatia, Spain is currently leading Group B. Italy is in second place after a convincing victory over Albania. Given that both countries have a strong footballing tradition and huge expectations, this game will likely decide which team will top the group. The game will take place on Thursday, June 20, at Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. local time.

Meeting statistics

The current form of Spain

The entire continent was riveted by Spain’s resounding triumph over Croatia in their opening encounter. Though not as well favored as other prominent national teams by European bookies, Spain turned in one of their best performances to date. They demonstrated a novel tactical strategy under the direction of manager Luis de la Fuente, which has revitalized their campaign. “The Red Fury” has come to represent the “death by 1,000 passes” style of play in recent years. Although visually striking, this style of play frequently resulted in them failing to translate their dominance into wins in important events. On the other hand, Spain used a more straightforward and successful approach than Croatia. They controlled the game and produced lots of scoring opportunities as a result of this tactical change.

The 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest player to compete in a European Championship final tournament, was one of the Euro 2024’s notable performers thus far. The right-winger emerging from the Barcelona junior system gave an incredible display, showing off his enormous talent by offering an assist and persistently bothering the Croatian defenders. Yamal has shown to be a player to watch in the upcoming games, living up to the pre-tournament buzz. Fabián Ruiz, who’s frequently overlooked as a hero, also gave a good performance. His ability to hold possession under duress and link plays was essential to Spain’s supremacy in the midfield. Ruiz’s work, along with Yamal's, made sure that Spain’s offense was effective the entire game.

The current form of Italy

Italy proved they could produce results even when they weren’t playing their best football, as it was in their win over Albania 2-1. Despite the absence of several important players due to injuries, the “Azzurri” produced a strong performance that demonstrated their tactical discipline and efficiency—two qualities that Luciano Spalletti’s team is known for. Bologna’s 22-year-old center-back, Riccardo Calafiori, made his tournament debut and turned in a strong performance. His defensive prowess and poise were crucial in containing Albania, and his performance has significantly improved Italy’s back line. Nicolò Barella proved once more why he is regarded as Italy’s best player in midfield. His physical contributions, vision, and passing were all on display as he directed Italy’s play from the pitch’s center. Right-winger Federico Chiesa showed flashes of his talent and his will to repeat his heroics from Euro 2020, giving Italy a consistent danger moving ahead.

Italy’s performance was effective and dominant, although not particularly exciting. They proved they could win important points in the group stage, living up to their reputation as a difficult team to beat in the past.

Head-to-head

This match is even more intriguing because of the lengthy history of major tournament meetings between Italy and Spain. In their most recent head-to-head matchup, Spain has prevailed three times out of five, while Italy has only won once and the other one has ended in a draw. Spain appears to have a tiny advantage based on recent history, but Italy's tenacity and tactical skill shouldn’t be undervalued. These two teams’ most noteworthy recent meeting took place in the Euro 2020 semifinals. Spain dominated the game for the 90 minutes and the extra period, but Italy won the penalty shootout. Their forthcoming confrontation will have an air of competitiveness and unresolved business because of their past.

Match analytics

It’s anticipated that the match between Italy and Spain would be a tactical struggle. The reigning champion’s strong defensive configuration will test De la Fuente’s new direct style for Spain. The match’s fate will be largely determined by the midfield battle between Italy’s versatile midfielders and Spain’s inventive players.

All of this points to the likelihood that both teams will score. Chiesa, the outstanding player from Italy and a continual threat, might make the difference once more. Rodri’s skill with set pieces and penalties could be useful for Spain. Alessandro Bastoni and Álvaro Morata, who’s an expert at drawing fouls, may engage in a pivotal subplot that could result in risky free-kick attempts.

Given how hotly contested these historical rivals are, we’re going with a Match Winner & Both Teams To Score – Draw Yes prediction for which 90Dakika set odds of 4.330.

Results of the forecast

Forecast failed. Spain vs. Italy 1:0