When is it? How can you watch it? What are the possible line-ups?
Spain and Italy meet in their Second Group C match at UEFA EURO 2024.
Spain and Italy at a glance
When: Friday 21 June (03:00 GMT+8 kick-off)
Where: Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen
What: UEFA EURO 2024 Group B Matchday 2
What do you need to know?
Spain laid down a marker in their opener in Berlin, scoring three superbly worked first-half goals in a comfortable win against Croatia. Fabián Ruiz was the star performer, providing a perfectly-weighted assist for Álvaro Morata before doubling the lead with a low strike of his own, but it was a memorable afternoon too for 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, whose magnificent cross was turned in by Dani Carvajal for La Roja’s third. The three-time winners head into their latest meeting with fellow EURO 2012 finalists Italy with the wind firmly in their sails.
Italy recovered from their first-minute setback against Albania to claim a hard-fought victory in their curtain-raiser. The Azzurri beat Spain at both of their last two tournaments, winning 2-0 in the round of 16 eight years ago before edging to a semi-final penalty shoot-out victory at Wembley at EURO 2020. The reigning champions are under no illusion about the size of the task facing them, but defender Alessandro Bastoni says they will “focus on Spain’s weaknesses and hit them there”.
Possible line-ups
Spain: Unai Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Fabián Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca
Form guide
Spain:
Form (all competitions, most recent first): WWWDLW
Italy:
Form (all competitions, most recent first): WWDWWD
Expert predictions
Graham Hunter, Spain reporter
It’s one thing being in tip top shape in camp and another transferring it to a valuable group stage win. But Spain did just that against Croatia and there’s little indication, even though Italy are a deeply respected rival, that La Roja will be in any different shape for the second Group B match. Training has been sharp, the mood is excellent and, perhaps above all, there’s a palpable mood of intense, competitive focus. I’d really not expect many, if any, changes in personnel – especially as Aymeric Laporte hasn’t yet started training at top speed. It’s a big test and a vital match, but the Nations League holders are in the right shape
Paolo Menicucci, Italy reporter
Spalletti has all his players available and could deploy the same line-up he used against Albania. The only doubts are whether he will use Mancini and Cristante from start. Mancini is a more traditional centre-back compared to Calafiori, staying in position rather than pushing forward. Cristante, meanwhile, could replace Pellegrini or Frattesi to make a more solid midfield. Both would be prudent solutions in the face of the scintillating Spain attack which scored three against Croatia.
What the coaches say
Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach: “[The Croatia win] was a complete performance inspired by the competitive genes which run through this team, both the young guys and the experienced ones who’ve won almost everything in football but are still super hungry and committed. I want to emphasise the attitude, generosity and ambition of this team: they are unquenchable traits.”
Luciano Spalletti, Italy coach: “I’ve been through some important games but this is right up there. This is one of those matches that could give the players a tale to tell in the future. Spain have got everything, absolutely everything. They always do things in the same way, and we need to more reactive. I’m curious to see what happens when they press with 11 men, how we respond to that.”