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Join us for all the build-up and action as it happens from the EURO 2024 showdown between Spain and Italy, as the winners go through to the Round of 16 as group leaders.
It kicks off in Gelsenkirchen at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
Both sides won their opening fixtures, but with Croatia and Albania drawing 2-2, it means the victors here will be automatically qualified for the next phase in top spot.
The Azzurri beat Spain on penalties in the EURO 2020 semi-final, but otherwise lost three of the last four meetings.
You can watch the live build-up from Germany on our YouTube Channel.
“It was a difficult match, they are a great team and proved themselves stronger on the night by winning the game,” Cambiaso told RAI Sport.
“It’s a pity, now we have to recover energy and think about Croatia.”
Cambiaso came off the bench at half-time along with Bryan Cristante, so what did Spalletti ask of the Juventus full-back?
“He asked me to help the team in keeping the ball and keep wide to stretch them out. Maybe I didn’t do it in the right way. It really felt like Spain were moving at a faster tempo, that was decisive in this match. They were sharper and won the match.”
Italy only need a point against Croatia to qualify for the Round of 16 in second place, as Spain have now locked down the top spot in Group B.
“We need to stay calm, everything could change in a moment. We need to recover energy and put in a good performance against Croatia.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma admits Italy ‘made too many mistakes’ in the 1-0 defeat to Spain, but their EURO 2024 ‘destiny is still in our hands.’ https://t.co/RY5OUEp0YM #Azzurri #ESPITA #SpainItaly #EURO2024
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) June 20, 2024
Luciano Spalletti insists the big difference between Italy and Spain was that ‘they were sharper and much quicker’ both mentally and physically https://t.co/8niiDbxitb #Azzurri #ESPITA #SpainItaly #EURO2024
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) June 20, 2024
They had just four shots on goal, one of which was on target, compared to Spain’s 20 shots and eight on target.
All is not lost, as though Spain are through to the Round of 16 as group winners, a point against Croatia would be sufficient to guarantee second place for Italy.
This is because even if Albania beat Spain in the other match, the Nazionale have a superior head-to-head record.
Italy’s game plan failed in a defeat to dominant Spain, decided by an unlucky Riccardo Calafiori own goal, but a point with Croatia would be enough to go through in second place https://t.co/wbyLe0j05o #ESPITA #SpainItaly #Azzurri #EURO2024
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) June 20, 2024
It was a bit chaotic on the corner, but eventually Calafiori turned wide.
Cross into the box, crucial block, corner. Carvajal also booked for earlier foul.
Donnarumma goes up!
Merino on, Fabian Ruiz off with cramp.
Ayoze again gets away, Donnarumma gets down for a one-handed save!
Donnarumma makes the save at the near post on Ayoze, as Di Lorenzo had been beaten yet again…
Into 4 minutes of stoppages. Ball over the top was too high for Retegui.
Really, Carvajal? Goes down screaming when Retegui gets the ball at his feet.
It was looking good until a drunken elephant first touch from Cristante.
Either Spain are trying to protect their lead or Italy have woken up. Either way, the Azzurri actually seeing a bit of the ball now.
Cristante flick on the Raspadori corner, but into the arms of the goalkeeper. Calafiori had some complaints about a tug, but was nowhere near the ball anyway.
Carvajal and Bastoni bickering, so the ref has to talk to them both before allowing the corner.
Italy win a corner, Cristante attempted back-heel deflected.
Raspadori replaces Pellegrini.
Spain corner, Ferran Torres cross to the back post for Laporte header over.
Dimarco free kick whipped to the back post, Di Lorenzo acrobatically tries, but just fails to connect with it.
Raspadori is getting ready as the last Italy sub. Thank goodness Nico Williams has gone off.
Ayoze Perez and Oyarzabal on, Morata and Nico Williams off.
Ball flashed across the six-yard box, Morata can’t get there and is also penalised for a challenge on Di Lorenzo.
I still miss the old format 🙁
Having said that, please destroy this Spanish team..
THE CHAMPS ARE HERE!
Bring back the old format! Forza Italia!
What happened to the old format? Already suffering personally a lot .. this is making it worse..
Forza Azzurri