After a VERY shaky start to the Euros…like literally in the first minute of the first game, Italy bounced back to secure all 3 points and set up a big time showdown with Spain today.
Spain, for their part, took care of business vs Croatia and won 3-0. In fact, Spain made Croatia look very old and slow and not remotely in the same league as them. But, Italy is not Croatia and this Azzurri side packs some punch. But, before we get to today’s big game, let’s review where things stand at the moment.
With Croatia and Albania playing to a draw yesterday, a win by Italy or Spain assures them taking the group (Group B) but a draw leaves the door open for some unique possibilities heading into the final round of group play. With 4 of the 6 third place finishers advancing to the knockout, goal differentials are going to be big so watch the score lines.
In Group A, Germany is leading the group after 2 rounds played for them (6pts), with Switzerland comfortably in second with 4pts.
For Group C, England play before Italy-Spain but are leading the group even with one less game played. A win for them and they take the group while second and third are still up for grabs.
Group D has the Netherlands and France sitting atop with 3pts each and the whole group has only played one round so far. The big news out of this group is that Mbappe broke his nose and is slated to miss France’s round 2 match. France and the Netherlands should finish 1-2 in the group although Mbappe’s injury might provide Poland and Austria a chance to grab some points and make it to the knockouts.
For Group E the big surprise so far is that Belgium looked bad and lost to Slovakia, giving Slovakia a great chance to make it to the knockouts. Additionally, Romania got a somewhat surprising win vs Ukraine and they too look poised to sneak into the knockouts. Out of all the groups, this one is the most ripe for some surprises with how the round 1 matches went. Should be a testy round 3 for the group.
Finally, Group F is going as expected with Portugal and Turkey getting round 1 wins and unless something weird happens these two teams will finish 1-2 in the group but who knows if Czechia or Georgia will get enough done to advance to the knockouts.
As for Milan players, Leão (Portugal) played and played well, almost got on the end of one to score, but was probably most noted for getting carded for simulation, LOL. What was interesting here was that Portugal put Ronaldo as the CF and Leão as the LW. I hope they continue to do that.
For France, Maignan and Theo started and played well, with Maignan getting the clean sheet and Theo providing good balance both on offense and defense. Giroud came in late for injured Mbappe but didn’t get a lot of time to do much.
Reijnders started and played all 90 minutes in the Netherland’s 2-1 win over Poland. He played well and just barely missed scoring a goal in the first half. Funny that the rest of the world is just now starting to discover him, at least based on social media reactions to his play.
Jovic came on as a sub in Serbia’s first match, a 1-0 loss to England, but then came on as a sub in today’s Serbia-Slovenia match and helped them save a point with stoppage time goal. Basically doing what he do!
Okafor (Switzerland)and Kjær (Denmark) have yet to play in either of their team’s first 2 games.
Ok, after that review let’s dive into today’s match vs Spain!
Matchday - Round 2
LAST FIVE:
ITALY: WWDWW
SPAIN: WWWDL
FORMATIONS
ITALY (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca
SPAIN (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Fernandez, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
TIME/LOCATION
TIME: 3pm EST/8pm GMT
PLACE: Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
WHERE TO WATCH
All games in the US the game will be on FOX or FS1, and in Spanish on TUDN, Unvision, and UniMás (as well as streaming Vix Premium). Click here to find your local broadcaster.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Probably safe to assume Spain will control more of the ball in this as that is their preferred style of play. Italy controlled more of the match vs Albania but Spalletti will be content to defend and counter. I’m not saying Italy is going to park the bus but expect the possession to end up somewhere around 60/40 (maybe 65/35) in favor of Spain.
Italy played about as well offensively as we’ve seen them last game, in fact they looked like they had the most offensive bite since 2012. If it wasn’t for Dimarco’s boner, Italy probably wins 3-0.
Lisi and I differ on this match as I think we’re going to get some fun football. Spain likes to play fast and open and they have the speedy wingers to do it. Lisi brought up LW Nico Williams in our Euro 2024 preview, and the 16yr old phenom – Lamine Yamal – at RW provides a lot of pace and deadly crossing (he already notched an assist in the first round match). Still, I expect Italy’s wily veterans and tactical prowess to deal with these threats but it will be relentless from Spain.
So, I’m going with an exciting draw, probably 1-1 or 2-2 and I think Scamacca does get on the board (I know I thought so last match but I’m going with it again!).
Here’s what Lisi has to say about today’s match:
I like Italy to score a penalty at +1000 on a whim. Spain to take more corners at -110. Expecting a dull draw.
Forza Italia
gillis