DUSSELDORF, Germany (AP) — Defending champion Italy plays Spain on Thursday in one of the most anticipated games at Euro 2024. Spain leads Group B ahead of Italy on goal difference after both teams won their opening games. Croatia and Albania are the other teams in the group. Kickoff is at 9 p.m. local (1900 GMT) in Gelsenkirchen. Here’s what to know about the match:
— Italy survived a scare against Albania when Nedim Bajrami scored after 23 seconds - the fastest goal in Euros history. A 2-1 come from behind win avoided embarrassment for Luciano Spalletti’s team.
— There were no such concerns for Spain after a dominant 3-0 win against World Cup semifinalist Croatia.
— Italy beat Spain on penalties in the semifinals of the last Euros after a 1-1 draw through extra time at Wembley Stadium. The team, then coached by Roberto Mancini, also needed penalties to beat England in the final.
— Build up to the last game in Gelsenkirchen - Serbia vs. England - had been overshadowed by concerns about fan violence. Eight people were temporarily detained following a brawl between fans. There has been less focus on potential security issues ahead of this game.
— Spain defender Aymeric Laporte has resumed training following a muscular issue, leaving coach Luis de la Fuente to declare a fully fit squad for the game.
— Italian media has speculated about Spalletti making changes ahead of the Spain game and the potential for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante to be brought into his starting line up.
— This is this the fifth Euros in a row that Spain and Italy have met, with two wins each going into Thursday’s match.
— With 46% of possession against Croatia, Spain failed to dominate the ball for the first time in 136 competitive games.
— Italy is going for a record-equalling third European Championship title. Spain and Germany have also won three titles. Italy could also become only the second team to win back-to-back Euros after Spain in 2008 and 2012.
— At 16 years, 338 days, Spain's Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to appear at a European Championship in his team's 3-0 win over Croatia.
“Spain vs Italy is a classic game, it could very easily be the final. They (Italy) have great players, a great coach, and a real football culture. They’re one of the great national teams.” — Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.
"It’s one of the most important matches of my career; I’ve already been through some important games but this is right up there. This is one of those matches that could give the players a tale to tell in the future.” — Italy coach Luciano Spalletti.
“Right now Spain, are better than us in terms of individual players. We will have to bring the Italian spirit into play; we will need to struggle together.” — Italy midfielder Davide Frattesi.
“I remember a friendly against Portugal before the last Euro and there was a part of the fanbase who weren’t happy and whistled us.... Now we, the media and the fans all share a lot of pride and ambition in what we’re doing. We’re all rowing in the same direction.” — Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon.
AP Euro 2024: https://apnews.com/hub/euro-2024
Spain's Dani Carvajal, left, celebrates with Spain's Lamine Yamal after scoring his side's third goal during a Group B match between Spain and Croatia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr Josek)
Italy's Alessandro Bastoni celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Bernd Thissen/dpa via AP)
