Spain vs Italy EURO 2024 Group B Matchday 2 preview: Where to watch, kick-off time, possible line-ups

Spain and Italy meet for their second matches of UEFA EURO 2024 in Group B on Thursday 20 June.

Where to watch Spain vs Italy on TV

Fans can find their local UEFA EURO 2024 broadcast partner(s) here.

What do you need to know?

Spain laid down a marker in their opener in Berlin, scoring three superbly worked first-half goals in a comfortable win against Croatia. Fabián Ruiz was the star performer, providing a perfectly-weighted assist for Álvaro Morata before doubling the lead with a low strike of his own, but it was a memorable afternoon too for 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, whose magnificent cross was turned in by Dani Carvajal for La Roja's third. The three-time winners head into their latest meeting with fellow EURO 2012 finalists Italy with the wind firmly in their sails.

Italy recovered from their first-minute setback against Albania to claim a hard-fought victory in their curtain-raiser. The Azzurri beat Spain at both of their last two tournaments, winning 2-0 in the round of 16 eight years ago before edging to a semi-final penalty shoot-out victory at Wembley at EURO 2020. The reigning champions are under no illusion about the size of the task facing them, but defender Alessandro Bastoni says they will "focus on Spain's weaknesses and hit them there".

Possible line-ups

Spain: Unai Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Fabián Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Morata, Williams

Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca

Form guide

Spain:
Form (all competitions, most recent first): WWWDLW

Italy:
Form (all competitions, most recent first): WWDWWD

Expert predictions

Graham Hunter, Spain reporter

It's one thing being in tip top shape in camp and another transferring it to a valuable group stage win. But Spain did just that against Croatia and there's little indication, even though Italy are a deeply respected rival, that La Roja will be in any different shape for the second Group B match. Training has been sharp, the mood is excellent and, perhaps above all, there's a palpable mood of intense, competitive focus. I'd really not expect many, if any, changes in personnel - especially as Aymeric Laporte hasn't yet started training at top speed. It's a big test and a vital match, but the Nations League holders are in the right shape

Paolo Menicucci, Italy reporter

Spalletti has all his players available and could deploy the same line-up he used against Albania. The only doubts are whether he will use Mancini and Cristante from start. Mancini is a more traditional centre-back compared to Calafiori, staying in position rather than pushing forward. Cristante, meanwhile, could replace Pellegrini or Frattesi to make a more solid midfield. Both would be prudent solutions in the face of the scintillating Spain attack which scored three against Croatia.

What the coaches say

Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach: "[Italy] are contenders in every international competition. Spain vs Italy is a classic game, it could very easily be the final. They have great players, a great coach, and a real football culture. They're one of the great national teams. I'm sure it'll be a great show and a great game. It will be a contest worthy of this competition. We'll do our best to win it."

Luciano Spalletti, Italy coach: "When you play a EURO, all games are finals, all games are unique, all games are something to remember. We want to play the same kind of football we played against Albania and measure ourselves against one of the strongest teams in Europe. I'm sure that if we leave the ball to them, it will end badly for us. So we will have to take the initiative and see if we manage to do so against such great opponents."