Spain prevailed against reigning Italy in their Group B opener, courtesy of Riccardo Calafiori’s second-half own goal that sealed their success. Luis de la Fuente made one change for this match-up – Aymeric Laporte will replace Nacho as central defence alongside Robin Le Normand.
Fabian Ruiz retains his midfield spot, while 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal makes his major tournament debut after setting up Carvajal during Saturday’s win.
In this article, we will discuss the main points of Spain National Football Team vs Italy National Football Team Lineups.
Spain XI vs. Italy XI
After an inconsequential opening game against Croatia, Spain will look to resume winning ways against Italy in Group B’s only other contest with both teams tied at four points apiece – victory would signal that each side is headed in the right direction.
Italy will play an aggressive style of football to stay in contention at this tournament. They had a good chance at success after beating Albania 2-1 in their opener and scoring more goals than anyone else so far in competition.
The Azzurri are likely to use the same lineup that defeated Albania, featuring Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal and Giovanni Di Lorenzo at full back. Roma midfielder Fabian Ruiz should return for another partnership alongside Jorginho alongside Riccardo Calafiori and Alessandro Bastoni for support, while Lamine Yamal may offer an offensive outlet on the left wing position.
Luis de la Fuente is unlikely to make many alterations from his side that defeated Croatia, with all available players fit and available. FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal should make their first appearance in this competition alongside Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata up front.
This match will be shown live in the UK and US on ITV and ITVX; Fox Sports and Furbo in America will provide coverage. Australian viewers can tune into Optus Sport. A VPN may help bypass regional restrictions; for more information on this subject please read our guide on watching Euro 2024 live with a VPN.
Spain XI vs. Croatia XI
Spain set the bar high in their Euro 2024 campaign with a thrilling first-half 3-0 win against Croatia, led by Luis de la Fuente’s squad containing both youth and experience which could prove dangerous at any point during their competition. They remain unbeaten after two matches, giving them the chance to top Group B when taking on reigning champion Italy next.
Spain beat Croatia comfortably in Berlin but had less possession than their opponents, suggesting a possible change of tactics by De la Fuente. Aymeric Laporte is back fit after missing Matchday 1 due to muscle injury, replacing Nacho at centre back alongside Dani Carvajal; Marc Cucurella retains his spot at left back over Alejandro Grimaldo.
At Atletico Madrid, Alvaro Morata had an underwhelming season but did manage to score an early opener against Albania and should lead his side against a more challenging opponent than Albania.
Nico Williams and Olmo will battle it out on the left wing, where their trickery, speed and variation is an asset to Spain in their new-look setup. Rodri has returned after his booking in Berlin and will provide crucial cover for more advanced players in central midfield.
Spain XI vs. Albania XI
As Spain have already secured top spot in Group B, Luis de la Fuente may make changes to his squad ahead of their match against Albania in Dusseldorf. Unai Simon could be replaced by David Raya between the sticks while Aymeric Laporte and Robin Le Normand could remain centre backs for an undefeated team which has yet to concede in Germany.
Barcelona star Gerard Pique will certainly reap the benefits of rotation as he gets another opportunity to impress at Euro 2024. Pique was magnificent in helping Spain beat Croatia, and could provide the spark needed to unlock Albania’s defence.
Pedri’s minutes must also be managed carefully, though he is expected to retain his starting spot despite only playing two matches so far in this tournament. Furthermore, Lamine Yamal scored in Spain’s previous outing and could earn himself an increased starting position over Rodri.
De la Fuente will have to make some critical choices regarding his team’s offensive options, with Morata emerging as a pivotal figure for European champions Spain. Morata could be supported by either Rodri or Dani Olmo – who has proven his mettle by working hard during both appearances for national team.
Alternately, Fabian Ruiz, Jorginho and Barella could form a preferred front three. PSG midfielder Jorginho has developed strong rapport with both Manchester City players. If employed effectively to support Morata against an Albanian defence that has shown poor possession in its opening two games this summer’s competition.
Spain XI vs. Slovenia XI
Spain under Luis de la Fuente look set for an impressive run at Euro 2024 after their impressive win against Croatia, but will face stiff opposition against Slovenia who also hope to make it to the last 16. Matjaz Kek’s men employ a similar 4-4-2 formation which uses compactness and aggressiveness off the ball to prevent central progression while pushing opponents down their wings.
Real Madrid will make one change to their starting lineup from their opening win, replacing Nacho at centre back with Aymeric Laporte of Real Sociedad’s Robin Le Normand as Robin is joined by Rodri Hernandez and Marc Cucurella from Barcelona who form an attacking trio with Alvaro Morata up front.
Fabian Ruiz should remain as La Roja’s starting number 10, though Pedri has shown great consistency during pre-tournament friendlies and could become tough for Fabian Ruiz to dislodge from this role. Lamine Yamal (16 years old) could become one of the key figures as La Roja look to defend their German crown over the course of this tournament.
Italy remain unchanged despite losing striker Ciro Immobile due to a training injury; they defeated Albania 2-0 on opening day. Jorginho remains midfield partner alongside Nicolo Barella with Alessandro Bastoni and Riccardo Calafiori providing defence. Genoa forward Mateo Retegui will start from the bench hoping to add to his two goal involvements for national team.
Spain XI vs. Denmark XI
Luis de la Fuente has made an immediate impact as Spain manager, leading them to three wins out of three victories so far in their Nations League campaign. But Christian Eriksen’s men from Denmark remain formidable rivals as they fight for quarter-final spots.
A victory by La Roja would vault them above Denmark, who currently lead their group on six points. Unfortunately for La Roja however, several key players will miss this match due to injuries. Rodri and Dani Carvajal will both miss due to injuries while Robin Le Normand is considered questionable after suffering a traumatic brain injury playing for Atletico Madrid against Girona earlier in the week.
Marco Asensio, Fabian Ruiz, Lamine Yamal and Alvaro Morata will need to step up if Spain are to win this match against Poland. They may find extra motivation thanks to the return of Nicola Barella who has scored five times in seven matches for Roma.
Italy have an overall strong squad under Luciano Spalletti with all players currently fit and available, keeping to his trusted system with Riccardo Calafiori, Dino Zoff and Bryan Gil all maintaining their places while Nicolo Barella will partner Jorginho in midfield.
Maximilian Mittelstadt will likely replace David Raum in central defence while Florian Wirtz should replace Niclas Fullkrug on the right wing. Italy will look to build on their impressive defensive record from previous 12 UEFA EURO appearances by employing their veteran goalkeeper Gianluca Scamacca, along with all members of their squad including ViX and Fubo streaming services to achieve this aim. Fox Sports will broadcast live coverage while ViX and Fubo offer Spanish language streaming of this matchup in Spain and Latin America respectively.
