Date: Thursday 20th June, 2024
Time: 8:00 pm
Stadium VELTINS Arena
Referee Slavko Vincinc (Slovenia)
Goal Scorer:
Spain
Assuaging concerns about their fitness following last week's win over Croatia, both Rodri and Alvaro Morata have taken part in full training and will be available on Thursday.
However, Aymeric Laporte is still struggling with an adductor injury, after the France-born defender missed Spain's opening match entirely. He may now take a place on the bench, with Nacho and Robin Le Normand continuing at the centre of La Roja's back four.
Morata captains the side, having now scored 10 times in 15 major tournament appearances for Spain, with only David Villa (13) ahead of him.
In midfield, Fabian Ruiz will aim to build on being directly involved in two of the three goals against Croatia - assisting Morata's opener and scoring the second.
Holding off competition from David Raya, Unai Simon continues between the posts, though the Athletic Club goalkeeper will have to undergo a minor wrist operation after the Euros.
In fact, few changes - if any - are expected to Luis de la Fuente's lineup, with Dani Olmo and Alex Grimaldo fronting a long queue for promotion to the starting XI.
Spain possible starting lineup:
Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Italy
Meanwhile, Italy can also name an unaltered side in Gelsenkirchen, as all of their players were available for training after the victory over Albania.
Luciano Spalletti claims he is not tied down to a particular formation, but personnel changes would indicate a more cautious approach: Gianluca Mancini is a conservative centre-back by comparison with forward-raiding Riccardo Calafiori; Bryan Cristante could replace Roma teammate Lorenzo Pellegrini to tighten up the Azzurri's midfield.
Both Calafiori and Pellegrini are one yellow card away from suspension, too, but they still remain favourites to start.
One man certain to play is Nicolo Barella, who has now posted five goal involvements from his last seven Italy appearances. The Inter star will be looking to score in three consecutive internationals for the first time in his career.
Meanwhile, up front, Genoa striker Mateo Retegui aims to displace recent Europa League winner Gianluca Scamacca, who endured a frustrating night in Dortmund.
Italy possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca
Prediction: Spain 2-1 Italy
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