Spain vs Italy: UEFA Euro 2024 – BBC Sport Date: June 14, 2024 Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich Teams: Spain vs Italy Competition: UEFA Euro 2024 Preview: Two of the tournament favorites, Spain and Italy, will lock horns in a highly anticipated clash at the Allianz Arena in Munich on June 14, 2024. Both teams enter this match with rich histories in the European Championships. Spain, the reigning champions, will look to defend their title after a dominant performance in Euro 2020. Led by the likes of Pedri, Gavi, and Álvaro Morata, La Roja will rely on their signature possession-based style and clinical finishing to advance. Italy, the 2020 runners-up, will also have title aspirations. Known for their defensive solidity and attacking prowess, the Azzurri will be eager to avenge their penalty shootout defeat in the previous final. They will count on players such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Verratti, and Federico Chiesa to carry their challenge. Team News: Spain: * Pedri and Gavi are both expected to start in midfield, providing creativity and energy. * Álvaro Morata is likely to lead the line upfront, supported by Ferran Torres and Pablo Sarabia. * Unai Simón will take his place in goal. Italy: * Gianluigi Donnarumma will be between the sticks, offering his world-class shot-stopping abilities. * Marco Verratti and Jorginho will form a formidable partnership in midfield. * Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Insigne will provide attacking threat from the flanks. Match Analysis: The match is expected to be a close and tactical battle. Spain will aim to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game, while Italy will look to exploit spaces behind the Spanish defense. Both teams possess a wealth of experience and quality, making this an unmissable encounter. Spain will be the slight favorites, but Italy should not be underestimated. Prediction: Spain 2-1 ItalyItaly Coach Prepares Team for Elegant and Rugged Performance against SpainItaly Coach Prepares Team for Elegant and Rugged Performance against Spain Italian coach Luciano Spalletti has declared that his team will combine style and grit in their upcoming match against Spain, scheduled for Thursday. Despite Italy’s recent 2-1 victory over Albania, Spalletti emphasized the need for his players to maintain their composure and play with their national identity. Spalletti compared the team’s performance to wearing elegant suits from the famous Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani. However, he stressed that they are willing to get their hands dirty if necessary. The coach acknowledged the challenges posed by Spain, their formidable opponents in the tournament. Spalletti believes that Italy must stay focused and maintain their intensity throughout the entire 90 minutes to avoid being punished by Spain’s attacking threat. Spalletti took over as Italy’s coach after Roberto Mancini’s departure. He guided Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years before his appointment. The match against Spain is a critical moment in Spalletti’s career, and he acknowledged its significance. He believes that a victory can create a memorable story for him and his players. A win for either team will secure their qualification for the round of 16, following Albania’s draw with Croatia.Spain and Italy to Face Off in UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier The draw for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers was held in Frankfurt, Germany, on October 9, 2022. Spain and Italy, two of Europe’s footballing giants, were drawn into Group C alongside Norway, Cyprus, Georgia, and Scotland. The matches will be played over six matchdays between March 2023 and November 2023. The top two teams from each group will qualify automatically for the final tournament, to be held in Germany from June 14 to July 14, 2024. Spain is the defending champion, having won the 2020 UEFA European Championship. Italy, meanwhile, won the tournament in 2021. Both teams will be eager to qualify for the 2024 edition and challenge for the title once again. Group C promises to be a competitive one, with Norway, Cyprus, Georgia, and Scotland all capable of causing an upset. However, Spain and Italy will be the heavy favorites to qualify for the final tournament. The match between Spain and Italy will be one of the most anticipated matches of the qualifying campaign. The two teams have a long history of rivalry, and their matches are always fiercely contested. The first match between Spain and Italy in the qualifying campaign will be played on March 23, 2023, in Spain. The return match will be played on October 16, 2023, in Italy.