Spain vs Italy: UEFA Nations League Semi-final team news and prediction
A place in the final of the UEFA Nations league awaits the victor when Spain and Italy face off in the Semi-Final on Thursday.
Ahead of the clash, we provide the necessary pre-match information, including where to watch this semi-final, team news and probable XIs.
When is kick off?
Thursday 15th June, 19:45 KO (GMT)
Where is the match?
De Grolsch Veste, Enschede (Netherlands)
What TV channel is it on?
Viaplay Sports 1
Route to the semi-final
La Roja topped Group 2 with 11 points, three wins, two draws and one loss, from six games whilst under the management of Luis Enrique. Their one loss, against Switzerland, was their first defeat on home soil since 2018. Alvaro Morata proved the hero for Spain with his late goal against neighbours Portugal clinching top spot and setting up a semi-final tie against Italy.
Italy, like Spain, also topped their group with 11 points, pipping Hungary to top spot in the final round of fixtures. Italy got off to a slow start to their Nations League group with only one win in their first four outings, including a 5-2 drubbing by Germany, but found some form when it mattered brushing past England (1-0) and Hungary (2-0) to win the group.
Team news
Robin Le Normand could make his debut for Spain here after switching his international allegiance from France. He has had an excellent season for Real Sociedad as is likely to partner Aymeric Laporte at the heart of the Spanish defense. Champions League Winner, Rodri, is expected to feature despite playing in the final just a few days ago.
Italy also have their very own Champions League finalists available and the quartet of Federico Dimarco, Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi and Nicolo Barrella are all expected to start for the Azzurri following their Champions League heartbreak. Mateo Retegui will most likely lead the line for Italy with the youngster scoring twice in his two appearances so far for Mancini’s side.
Probable XI
Spain (4231) - Simon; Carvajal, Normand, Laporte, Alba; Rodri, Zubimendi; Gavi, Asensio, Olmo; Morata
Italy (433) - Donnarumma; Lorenzo, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dimarco; Barella, Jorginha, Verrati; Chiesa, Retegui, Pellegrini
Key Battle: Alvaro Morata vs Mateo Retegui
Alvaro Morata’s goal against Portugal secured qualification to the Nations League finals for Spain and the 30-year old comes into the finals on the back of a decent season for Atletico. With a WhoScored.com rating of 6.85 the frontman contributed 15 goals in La Liga, scoring on 13 occasions and providing two assists.
Since choosing Italy over Argentina, Mateo Retegui has been the man of the moment for Italy in their opening two Euro 2024 qualifiers, with two goals in his two appearances. He was on target 10 times for Tigres in Argentina, with only two players netting more goals than the 24-year-old.
Score Prediction: Spain 1-1 Italy
