HomeSportsFootballSpain, Italy eye knockout berth in Euro 2024 Mediterranean derby

Spain, Italy eye knockout berth in Euro 2024 Mediterranean derby

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Two heavyweights of European soccer step into the ring on Thursday as Spain and Italy purpose to safe an early place in Euro 2024’s knockout section.

Both gained their opening Group B fixture, so yet one more level ought to show sufficient for the reigning champions and their Nations League nemesis to progress.

When Spain coach Luis de la Fuente despatched his staff out at Berlin’s Olympiastadion for his or her Euro 2024 opener, he might hardly have imagined they might return at halftime with a three-goal lead over Croatia.

Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal all scored earlier than the break, kicking off the marketing campaign with a convincing success.

Morata reached double figures in main tournaments, whereas Carvajal turned the oldest Spanish scorer at a Euro.

Fielding the event’s youngest participant, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who assisted the third purpose, and seeing Unai Simon save a penalty, Spain’s composed efficiency suggests they’re robust contenders for the trophy this summer season.

With European titles in 1964, 2008, and 2012, Spain goals for a fourth continental crown.

They have misplaced simply certainly one of 11 aggressive video games underneath de la Fuente, profitable the final seven, their greatest run since 2017.

Recent outcomes in opposition to their subsequent opponents within the “Group of Death” have been notably optimistic.

La Roja defeated Italy in successive UEFA Nations League semifinals, profitable final 12 months’s version.

However, they’ve by no means gained three consecutive matches in opposition to their Italian rivals.

When the 2 groups meet in Gelsenkirchen, a degree apiece might see each via to the final 16, probably permitting de la Fuente to relaxation key gamers in opposition to Albania.

Nonetheless, delight can be on the road.

While their Iberian rivals have dominated lately, Italy famously overcame Spain on penalties three years in the past en path to Euro 2020 glory.

Italy’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo (L) and Spain’s Pedri in motion through the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship semifinal match at Wembley Stadium, London, U.Ok., July 6, 2021. (Getty Images Photo)

Since shedding to La Roja within the Nations League final June, the rejuvenated Azzurri have suffered just one defeat of their final 12 matches, profitable eight.

Under Luciano Spalletti’s steerage, they’ve regained their vigor, recovering from a dip in kind underneath Roberto Mancini.

Italy started their title protection shakily however rapidly bounced again in Saturday’s Group B conflict in opposition to Albania to safe most factors.

Sassuolo’s Nedim Bajrami set a brand new Euros document by scoring the quickest purpose ever after simply 23 seconds.

However, Spalletti’s staff quickly equalized via Alessandro Bastoni, and Nicolo Barella put them forward.

Now unbeaten in 10 European Championship matches, with their final defeat courting again to a 2-0 loss to Spain in 2016, Italy’s most up-to-date setback within the competitors was eight years in the past in opposition to the Republic of Ireland.

Though thought of outsiders this summer season, the Azzurri purpose to turn into solely the second staff to win consecutive Euros, following Spain.

First, they have to guarantee progress to the knockout section.

Easing issues about their health after final week’s win over Croatia, each Rodri and Alvaro Morata participated in full coaching and can be accessible on Thursday, when Aymeric Laporte may return from damage.

The France-born defender missed Spain’s opening match completely however might now take a spot on the bench, with Nacho and Robin Le Normand probably persevering with within the heart of La Roja’s again 4.

Few modifications, if any, are anticipated in Luis de la Fuente’s lineup, although Dani Olmo and Alex Grimaldo are robust candidates for promotion to the beginning XI.

Meanwhile, Italy also can subject an unchanged facet in Gelsenkirchen, as all their gamers had been accessible for coaching after the victory over Albania.

Luciano Spalletti has said he is not dedicated to a particular formation, however some personnel modifications counsel a extra cautious method: Gianluca Mancini presents a extra conservative center-back choice in comparison with the forward-raiding Riccardo Calafiori; Bryan Cristante may substitute Roma teammate Lorenzo Pellegrini to bolster the Azzurri’s midfield.

One participant sure to begin is Nicolo Barella, who has 5 purpose involvements in his final seven worldwide appearances.

However, Genoa striker Mateo Retegui is pushing to interchange Gianluca Scamacca up entrance.

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