Euro 2020: Italy ($2.40) vs Spain ($3) – Wednesday 7th July @5am
Italy will face Spain in the first semi-final of Euro 2020 at 5am Wednesday at Wembley.
Spain will hope that they aren’t gassed after their first two knockout games have both gone beyond 90 minutes.
In the Round of 16, they had to repel a brave Croatian fightback, eventually winning 5-3 after 120 minutes. They then had another huge energy-sapping battle against Switzerland, holding their nerve to win in a penalty shootout.
By contrast, Italy’s form is nothing short of formidable. Roberto Mancini’s side are on an unbeaten 32-match run that includes 13 consecutive wins.
The Azzurri only conceded their first goal in regular time at Euro 2020 in the quarter-final against Belgium and that was from the penalty spot.
All eyes will be on Wembley come 5am Wednesday as two sides face each other who have had starkly different Euro 2020 campaigns.
Team News
Pablo Sarabia is unlikely to start for Spain after suffering a muscle injury against Switzerland.
Italy will be without Leonardo Spinazzola after the full-back - one of the best players at the tournament - was stretchered off against Belgium.
Players to Watch
Leonardo Bonnuci: The ever-present combination of Bonnuci and Giorgio Chiellini, along with shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma, has laid the foundations for an impervious Italian defence. Even at 34 years of age, Bonnuci is still one of the best defenders in the world and like many of his countrymen, grows two foot taller when he is wearing the Italian shirt. Belgium didn’t have an answer to him in the quarter-final.
Pedri: The Barcelona midfielder is one of the few shining lights for Spain at this tournament. It’s a mad thing to say, considering they are about to play in a semi-final, but this Spanish team are a shadow of the side we saw a decade ago who dismantled opposition with their tiki-taka style of play. The 18-year-old is full of energy and can ask questions of an imposing, although aging Italian midfield.
Key Stats
- Italy are 32 matches unbeaten
- Italy have not conceded a goal in open play at Euro 2020
Best Bets
Match Result: Italy ($2.40)
Over/Under: Over 2.5 ($2.21)
