Two heavyweights of European football step into the ring on Thursday evening, as Spain and Italy aim to secure a place in Euro 2024 's knockout phase. Both won their opening Group B fixture, so one more point should prove enough for the reigning champions and their Nations League nemesis to progress. © Reuters When Spain coach Luis de la Fuente sent his side out at Berlin's Olympiastadion for their Euro 2024 opener, he could scarcely have dreamed they would return at half time with a three-goal lead over Croatia.
Alvaro Morata , Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal all scored before the break to start the campaign with a resounding success, as Morata made it into double figures at major tournaments and Carvajal became the oldest Spanish scorer at a Euros. Having also fielded the competition's youngest player - 16-year-old Lamine Yamal , creator of La Roja's third goal - and seen Unai Simon save a spot kick, a composed performance suggests they could be challengers for the trophy this summer. European champions in 1964, 2008 and 2012, Spain's hopes of adding a fourth continental crown to their collection are high, as they have now lost just one of 11 competitive games under De la Fuente, winning each of the last seven.
That represents their best run since 2017, and recent results against their next opponents in the so-called 'Group of Death' have been particularly positive. La Roja beat Italy in successive UEFA Nations League semi-finals, going on to win last year's edition for good.
