Spain v Italy Betting Tips [21 June 2024]

A blockbuster Euro 2024 Group B encounter is on the cards when European champions Italy take on former champions Spain. This Thursday clash pits the nations occupying the top two slots in the group following their opening wins. Spain put up a first half masterclass to outmaneuver Croatia in a 3-0 win. All of Spain’s goals were netted in the opening 45 minutes while Croatia were guilty of a second half missed penalty. Boosted by their fine start, Spain will have the favorites’ feel going into this game. They’ve also dominated Italy in recent matches so they’ll feel stars are aligning in their favor. In the last four meetings, the only time Spain failed to beat Italy was at Euro 2020. That game was decided on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw. Italy prevailed, dumping Spain out and La Furia Roja will have reason to want revenge.

Fueled by their title defence, Italy will be hoping for a first win over Spain in regular time in six matches. In the last two meetings at the Euros, Italy have prevailed over Spain and this should fire them up. The champions didn’t however have a great start in this edition, conceding inside 23 second in their opening game. Being champions though, it took Italy just 15 minutes to put things right and at full time they were 2-1 winners against Albania. They will come into this game refreshed after that not-so-easy encounter, seeking to make a statement of their intent. A seven-game unbeaten run is a good starting point for the Italians and they’ll hope to call on their good defensive shape. Italy have four clean sheets in the last six matches. In the last 12 matches they suffered just one loss and at the Euros, they are unbeaten in 10 matches in regular time.

Spain were impressive against a formidable Croatia side, scoring three goals (or more) for the fourth straight game. Italy weren’t as incisive in attack against Albania but they got the job done, with two goals of their own. These two nations rarely serve a few goals when they face off, and they are also on good scoring runs. We expect an overflow of confidence from both teams, especially in attack. Therefore, our prediction for Spain v Italy would be for the game to have over 2.5 goals.