Spain and Italy will both travel to the Netherlands in search of a first Nations League triumph and will both be keen to add a 2023 success to the European Championships and World Cups in their trophy cabinets, in what is their second visit to the Nations League Finals.
Spain vs Italy
UEFA Nations League Semi-final
Thursday 15 June – 20:45
De Grolsch Veste
The Spanish have been rebuilding a squad since 2010 and their progress is quite evident. Despite having a rather young squad, they have been able to compete with the same tiki-taka football at the highest level.
However, a torrid World Cup campaign saw Espania exit after putting together just one convincing win that spelled the end of manager Luis Enrique and ushered in Luis de La Fuente.
Having defeated and drawn against defending UEFA Nations League champions Portugal, Spain’s route in the tournament has not been an easy run. But one thing is clear, they will not stray away from their way of playing regardless of the results.
Alba is positive over Spain's future ahead of UEFA Nations League camp https://t.co/8KQyhOAsm0
— Football España (@footballespana_) June 10, 2023
To Win Match
Spain 5/4 | Draw 18/10 | Croatia 22/10
🇮🇹✅@donnarumma and Marco Verratti have been called up by Italy head coach Roberto Mancini for the UEFA Nations League knockout stage, which is set to take place from Wednesday 14th to Sunday 18th June in the Netherlandshttps://t.co/hIwIvCvamr
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 6, 2023
Italy’s lack of World Cup football has seen them compete if for every other possible honour on the international stage ferociously. The current defending European Champions now have the opportunity to hold two titles at once but must first overcome a mighty rival.
The Italians have kept busy despite not participating in the World Cup, and Roberto Mancini has steadied the ship ahead of the massive encounter. Facing England, Germany and Hungary both home and away to reach this stage of the competition proved a tough but doable fete – suffering just one defeat to Germany.
Without an out and out “star player”, Italy has relied on the entire team to raise their level and compete as a well-oiled unit – which can often prove difficult on international level.
Verdict: Italy (11/10)
These two nations have faced each other numerous times throughout history, really going back-and-forth in great clashes. While the odds suggest the Spanish take the win, an outside bet on Italy is value for money. The strength in unity under Mancini can be utilized when facing Spain’s Luis de la Fuente, who has just acquired the role of coach.
