DUSSELDORF, Germany – Defending champion Italy is set to face off against Spain in a highly anticipated match at Euro 2024. Spain currently leads Group B ahead of Italy based on goal difference after both teams secured victories in their opening games. The other teams in the group include Croatia and Albania. The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about this exciting showdown:
Match facts:
– Italy managed to avoid a scare in their match against Albania when Nedim Bajrami scored just 23 seconds into the game, making it the fastest goal in Euros history. They went on to secure a come-from-behind 2-1 victory, saving face for coach Luciano Spalletti’s team.
– Spain, on the other hand, had a dominant 3-0 win against World Cup semifinalist Croatia.
– In the last Euros, Italy emerged victorious against Spain in the semifinals after a 1-1 draw in extra time at Wembley Stadium. They also needed penalties to clinch the title against England.
Team news:
– Spain defender Aymeric Laporte has returned to training with the squad after dealing with a muscular issue.
– There have been speculations in the Italian media about potential lineup changes by Spalletti for the Spain game, with Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante possibly being brought into the starting lineup.
By the numbers:
– This will mark the fifth consecutive Euros in which Spain and Italy have faced each other, with both teams having secured two wins each leading up to Thursday’s match.
– Despite their dominant performance against Croatia, Spain only had 46% possession, marking the first time in 136 competitive games that they failed to dominate the ball.
– Italy is aiming for a record-equalling third European Championship title. Spain and Germany are the only other teams to have won three titles. Italy also has the opportunity to become the second team to win back-to-back Euros after Spain achieved this feat in 2008 and 2012.
– Spain’s Lamine Yamal, at 16 years and 338 days old, became the youngest player to appear in a European Championship during their 3-0 victory over Croatia.
In the words of the players:
– Italy midfielder Davide Frattesi acknowledges Spain’s strength but emphasizes the need for the Italian team to bring their spirit and unity to the game.
– Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon reflects on the shift in mindset among the team, media, and fans, expressing pride and ambition in their collective efforts.
As the anticipation builds for this exciting matchup between Italy and Spain, stay tuned for more updates and coverage of UEFA Euro 2024. Follow your favorite teams for the latest news, game updates, and more.