As Spain and Italy prepare to lock horns in Gelsenkirchen, the stakes are high for these European football giants.
Both teams are coming off impressive victories in their opening Group B fixtures and are just a point away from securing their spots in the knockout stages.
Here are ten key elements to watch for in this highly anticipated clash:
1. Tactical Chess Match
Spain’s Luis de la Fuente and Italy’s Luciano Spalletti are two tactical masterminds. De la Fuente’s Spain is known for its possession-based play, while Spalletti has revitalized Italy with a blend of defensive solidity and quick transitions.
How these contrasting styles interact will be fascinating to watch. Expect Spain to dominate possession, with Italy looking to exploit spaces on the counter.
2. Morata’s Leadership
Alvaro Morata’s role as captain has added a new dimension to his game. With 10 goals in 15 major tournament appearances, his form will be crucial.
The Atletico Madrid striker’s ability to lead the line and finish clinically, as demonstrated against Croatia, could be the deciding factor.
- Young Talents on Display
Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Italy’s Mateo Retegui represent the future of European football.
At just 16, Yamal became the youngest player to feature in the Euros and showed his creative genius with an assist against Croatia. Retegui, aiming to displace Gianluca Scamacca, will be eager to make his mark on the tournament.
- Battle of the Midfields
The midfield duel between Spain’s Rodri and Fabian Ruiz against Italy’s Nicolo Barella and Jorginho will be pivotal.
Rodri’s defensive capabilities and Ruiz’s playmaking skills will be tested by Barella’s dynamism and Jorginho’s control. This clash could determine the flow of the game.
- Defensive Fortresses
Spain’s defence, potentially missing Aymeric Laporte, will rely on Nacho and Robin Le Normand to hold firm.
Italy’s Alessandro Bastoni and Gianluca Mancini must counter Spain’s fluid attack. The defensive resilience of both teams will be crucial in a match where a single mistake could be costly.
- Goalkeeper Showdown
Unai Simon and Gianluigi Donnarumma are two of the best goalkeepers in Europe.
Simon’s penalty save against Croatia and Donnarumma’s experience and reflexes set the stage for an intriguing battle between the sticks. Their performances could be the difference in this tightly contested encounter.
- Italy’s Defensive Woes
Despite their resurgence, Italy’s defence has shown vulnerabilities. Conceding the fastest goal in Euros history against Albania exposed some frailties.
Spain’s diverse attacking options, including the pace of Nico Williams and the creativity of Dani Carvajal, will look to exploit these weaknesses.
- Set-Piece Scenarios
Both teams have shown proficiency in set-pieces. Spain’s Carvajal scored from a corner against Croatia, while Italy’s Bastoni netted against Albania.
Set-pieces could be a significant source of goals, with each team boasting aerial threats and capable delivery specialists.
- Squad Rotation and Depth
With a point likely securing progression, both managers might consider squad rotation.
Spain’s Dani Olmo and Alex Grimaldo are pushing for starts, while Italy’s Bryan Cristante could be brought in for a more cautious approach. The depth and flexibility of each squad will be tested.
- Historical Rivalry
This will be the 11th meeting between Spain and Italy in a major tournament, the most between two European nations.
With Spain winning the last two Nations League semi-finals but Italy triumphing at Euro 2020, the historical context adds extra spice.
Will Spain secure a third consecutive win, or can Italy break the recent trend?