Spain and reigning European champions Italy are set to take on each other in a crucial Group B encounter of Euro 2024 on Thursday.

Both teams triumphed in their opening matches at Euro 2024. They are now set to clash in Gelsenkirchen in an important match as the winners will progress to the Round of 16.

La Roja had an easier time, cruising to a 3-0 win over Croatia. This defeat marked Croatia's joint-heaviest loss in a major international tournament.

Italy, however, had a rougher start. Nedim Bajrami gave Albania a shock lead with a goal just 23 seconds into the match – the fastest ever at a European Championship. Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolò Barella quickly turned things around with two goals in five minutes. This helped Italy start their quest to become the second team to win back-to-back Euros after their Thursday opponents.

This comeback win marked the first time Italy has won their opening match in four consecutive major tournaments. They are now looking to build on this momentum against Spain.

Italy often relied on seasoned players like Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. But for Euro 2024, they entered with the sixth-youngest squad, averaging 26.5 years.

There was much talk about Spalletti's squad selection. Critics felt justified when Italy fell behind early against Albania. However, the young talent shone through. Riccardo Calafiori, who helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League in 2023-24, impressed in his third international appearance.

Spain also showcased young talent. Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to feature in a European Championship match. He had the most touches in the opposition box (6), created the joint-most chances (3), and assisted Dani Carvajal's first international goal.

Spain vs Italy Squads

Spain

Álex Remiro, David Raya, Unai Simón, Álex Grimaldo, Aymeric Laporte, Dani Carvajal, Dani Vivian, Jesús Navas, Marc Cucurella, Nacho, Robin Le Normand, Álex Baena, Fabián Ruiz, Fermín López, Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Rodri, Álvaro Morata, Ayoze Pérez, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Joselu, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams.

Head coach: Luis de la Fuente

Italy

Alex Meret, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Guglielmo Vicario, Alessandro Bastoni, Alessandro Buongiorno, Andrea Cambiaso, Federico Dimarco, Federico Gatti, Gianluca Mancini, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Matteo Darmian, Raoul Bellanova, Riccardo Calafiori, Bryan Cristante, Davide Frattesi, Jorginho, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Michael Folorunsho, Nicolò Barella, Nicolò Fagioli, Federico Chiesa, Giacomo Raspadori, Gianluca Scamacca, Mateo Retegui, Mattia Zaccagni, Stephan El Shaarawy.

Head coach: Luciano Spalletti

Spain vs Italy - H2H in Major Tourmanets

The two nations will meet each other for the 5th consecutive Euro editions. They have met 10 times in major tournaments, with Italy winning 5 of them and four of those matches ending in a draw. The solitary defeat for the Azzurris came in the Euro 2012 Final when Spain record a 4-0 victory to win consecutive continental titles.

In the Euro 2021, they met in the semifinal and Italy secured a victory in the penalties after 1-1 scoreline in 120 minutes.

Spain vs Italy Key Aspects

Álvaro Morata, captaining Spain for the first time in a major tournament, became Spain's second-highest scorer at major tournaments, only behind David Villa (13). In European Championship history, only Cristiano Ronaldo and Michel Platini have scored more goals than Morata (7).

Spain vs Italy Playing XI

Spain: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Morata, Williams

Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella - Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca