An age-old rivalry will renew with its latest chapter on Thursday night when Spain and Italy face in a potentially decisive Group B clash.
Both European heavyweights began their Euro 2024 campaign in positive fashion and are set to meet for the eighth time in the tournament with top spot of Group B likely to go to the victor.
The Spaniards began their search for a record fourth Euros title last Saturday and did so convincingly with a 3-0 triumph over ever-present dark horses Croatia.
Alvaro Morata continued his fine scoring exploits in the tournament with his seventh Euros strike, now only trailing Michel Platini (9) and Cristiano Ronaldo (14) all time, whilst Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal contributed with smart efforts respectively.
La Roja have often edged out their Mediterranean neighbours, though recent outings have seen the Azzurri one-up their upcoming opponents on more than one occasion.
Italy had to go through Spain at Euro 2020 en route to their second triumph in the competition, squeezing past on penalties in the semi-final, whilst a throwback to Euro 2016 saw the Italians win 2-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to Georgio Chiellini and former Southampton striker Graziano Pelle.
Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella’s goals meanwhile began their reign in relatively comfortable fashion after a roaring Albanian start after 23 seconds saw the defending champions behind in record time.
Group B is a famous reminder of Group C at Euro 2012 where these sides played out a 1-1 draw, that ultimately saw Spain both top the group and win the tournament in sublime fashion.
The final of that tournament will be one the Italians will want to quickly forget with another win against the Spanish.
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Team News
Luis de la Fuente will want a swift continuation of their smooth display against Croatia at the Olympiastadion Berlin on matchday 1 and will have the chance to name an unchanged XI.
Key names not only valued for their quality but their experience, both Rodri and Morata have survived injury scares sustained in the opener and are expected to be available.
Al Nassr centre half Aymeric Laporte has returned to team training following muscular concerns, and looks set to return, though likely from the bench.
The Azzurri had a full house in training in the lead up to the clash at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, with Luciano Spalletti looking to secure an impressive second win in tournament football.
A youthful and relatively inexperienced Italian side was selected by the former Napoli manager. Ricardo Calafiori, Davide Frattesi and Gianluca Scamacca were all given their Euros debut, and are expected to feature once more.
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Predicted Lineups
Spain: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Ruiz; Williams, Yamal, Morata (c)
Italy: Donnarumma (c); Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Frattesi, Barella; Pellegrini, Chiesa, Scamacca
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Key Players
The plethora of youth in this Spain side is obvious and may have led to the mention of Rodri’s constant influence, or Morata’s goals, though La Roja have a potentially generational talent on their hands.
At only 16, Lamine Yamal became the youngest to feature at the Euros. Naturally exuberant and lively, though it is his attitude and approach that frightens opposing defenders.
The Barcelona forward is so direct and aggressive with his play, perhaps unlike any Spanish wide man we have seen, on the international stage at least, whilst his pace and change of direction can be called electric.
There is the obvious matchup to highlight, coming up against Inter full-back Federico Dimarco who began the tournament in the worst possible way, Yamal may smell blood.
It goes without saying that this tournament could provide a golden chance for such a talent to show the world his capability, not to mention against such a historic rival.
Italy - Federico Chiesa
Whilst it’s noteworthy to mention Italy’s Euros win was heavily down to the collective and natural resilience shown by teams of the past, Juventus forward Federico Chiesa was a shining light in the final third.
The main outlet for boss Roberto Mancini at the time, Chiesa was everywhere across the frontline.
His terrific touch and finish from the right against Austria in the Round of 16, or his sweetly curled effort from the left against upcoming counterparts Spain in the semi-final were supposed to be a sign of things to come.
A long-term knee injury sustained shortly after slowed his momentum, though Chiesa has vowed to set the world alight once again on the international stage.
The forward looked back to his scintillating self in the opener, so direct and purposeful with every action, it would not be a shock to see Chiesa leave another mark on the Spanish come Thursday night.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game is to take place at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen.
What time is kick-off?
20:00 BST, 21:00 local time in Germany.
How can I watch the game?
The game will be live on ITV 1/ITVX, with coverage from 19:00 BST.
