Spain vs Italy Prediction: Goals expected in heavyweight clash
We’ve got a heavyweight clash to enjoy from Euro 2024 on Thursday night as Spain face Italy in Group B. Both of these nations got off to winning starts at the tournament which means that another win here will see them fly into the knockout stages.
Spain were very impressive in their 3-0 win over Croatia, while Luciano Spalletti had to mastermind a comeback against Albania after Italy conceded in the first minute. Now these two meet in Gelsenkirchen with top spot in the group up for grabs, and below you can find my Spain vs Italy prediction.
Team News
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente was sweating on the fitness of Alvaro Morata after he was taken off injured in the opener, but the captain is set to recover in time to start this one. Meanwhile, Rodri was suffering from fatigue but is also set to start again, with Spain likely to name an unchanged XI.
Spalletti is also likely to stick with the same line-up after his team played reasonably well after a slow start. Federico Chiesa and Nicolo Barella will provide attacking thrust while Gianluca Scamacca is set to be given another chance up front, despite his lack of attacking threat in that opener.
Spain predicted XI: Unai Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Fabián Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Italy predicted XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca
Spain are priced at 23/20 to win this game, while Italy can be backed at 51/20. A draw is available at 23/10, BTTS is 23/25 and over 2.5 goals is 23/20.
Spain to win @ 23/20
I wasn’t overly convinced by Italy in their opening game against Albania, but they did get the job done. However, looking at this Spain team I’m becoming more and more convinced that they are serious contenders to go all the way. It’s very simple football from them in comparison to a decade ago, but it is effective.
They’ve got two rapid and direct wingers in the form of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams and they are playing either side of Morata, who is an accomplished striker for his country. His movement earned him the opening goal against Italy and I think they will be able to show their superiority in this group game. The winner tops the group, and I think that will be Spain.
Over 3.5 goals @ 57/20
I think we could see plenty of goals in this game, given the attacks that are on show. Spain scored three in their opening game and have now scored 16 goals in their last four games. Their attack looks so vibrant while Italy scored twice in their opening 20 minutes having gone behind against Albania.
I think these odds look generous given the quality of the two attacks, and given what is on offer, I don’t think either side would be happy to settle for a draw. I think Spain are in a good position to go deep into the competition, and they can get a statement win here.
Check out our other Soccer Betting Predictions here.
