Euro 2024

Spain vs Italy Euro 2024 Prediction

Two of the heavyweights go head-to-head as early as the 2nd round of group games when Spain take on Italy at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday night.

Spain were dominant in thrashing Croatia 3-0 in their opener whilst Italy had to come-from-behind to beat Albania 2-1.

7 different Spanish players had a shot on goal and 6 different players created at least one chance, to give you an idea of the quality that Luis de la Fuente has at his disposal. Fabian Ruiz and Pedri both looked quality in midfield, Lamine Yamal was a threat down the right wing and Nico Williams down the left. The big question we had over Spain heading into the tournament was weather Alvaro Morata was good enough up front. He produced a fine finish for their opening goal in matchday 1.

Defensively, Spain did allow Croatia a few opportunities although goalkeeper Unai Simon wasn’t under too much pressure.

To be fair to Italy, they went behind on 23 seconds, weren’t shellshocked at all and took the lead after 16 minutes. They didn’t face a single shot on target for the last 89 minutes, 37 seconds (excluding stoppage time).

Alessandro Bastoni equalised with a fine header across goal and Nicolo Barella scored a fine strike from the edge of the box. The only disappointment for their fans will have been their inability to put the game away. Defensively though they were solid, but Spain are a completely different level to facing Albania’s attack.

They have an excellent centre-back in Bastoni and goalkeeper in Gianluigi Donnarumma, but how much protection is the midfield going to give them if the Spanish midfield dominate possession and feed their pacey wingers? It’s a tough one to call, a better one for in-play betting. If you want me to stick my neck out I’d say Spain winning is the best value.

Value bet: Spain to win at 11/10 with Bet365