- What: 2nd round of EURO 2024, Group B, Spain vs Italy
- Where: Germany, Gelsenkirchen
- When: June 20, 22:00 (local time - 21:00)
- Stadium: Veltins-Arena (62,000 seats)
Today's opponents are always among the contenders for the trophy in any tournament, although they play completely different styles of football. The leaders of Group B will face off to determine who is the real deal. The winner can secure a playoff spot today if the result is convincing or if the other group match ends in a draw.
Spain
They soundly defeated the strong Croatians without having a noticeable advantage on the field. In the last 18 minutes of the first half, they scored 3 goals, converting almost everything they created. Playing like this takes skill, as luck typically favors the strong.
Main stats of the Spain vs Croatia match. xG: 1.97 - 2.33, Possession: 47% - 53%, Shots: 11 - 16, Shots on target: 5 - 5, Accurate passes: 383 - 456, Passes in the final third: 90 - 76, Passing accuracy in the final third: 72% - 79%.
Italy
They lazily defeated the Albanians. They conceded a goal at the 28th second of the match, scored 2 goals in the next 15 minutes, and then stopped playing. They just passed the ball around in the midfield with few moments of intensity. They conserved energy but essentially disrespected the prestige of the tournament - no respect for the opponent or the spectators.
Main stats of the Italy vs Albania match. xG: 1.59 - 0.44, Possession: 68% - 32%, Shots: 17 - 8, Shots on target: 5 - 1, Accurate passes: 747 - 313, Passes in the final third: 225 - 39, Passing accuracy in the final third: 82% - 56%. Only 1 shot on target in the entire second half for both teams combined!
Prediction
Italy will not be able to stifle the game by taking the ball from Spain as they did with Albania. They will have to genuinely play to win and score goals because in the 3rd round, highly motivated Croatians will be waiting for them.
2 or more goals have been scored in 11 of Spain's last 13 matches, as well as in 10 of Italy's last 13 games.
xGscore Prediction: Total Over 2
