The round-of-16 knockout stage continues at the Euro 2016 tournament in France on Monday, June 27th with a heavyweight showdown between Italy and Spain at the Stade de France in Paris. This is a rematch of the Euro 2012 Final which Spain won 4-0 in Ukraine. The teams also met in the group stage at Euro 2012 and played to a 1-1 draw. The winning country will carry on to the quarterfinals while the loser will be packing their bags and heading home. If the game is even after 90 minutes it will go to 30 minutes of extra time. If it’s still tied, it will then be decided by a penalty shootout. Spain is seeking a record third straight European Championship while Italy is hunting its second European title.
Italy vs Spain – bet365 Soccer Betting Line:
- bet365 currently lists Spain as the favorite to win in 90 minutes at 23/20 with Italy 17/5 and a draw at 21/10
Italy vs Spain – Head to Head:
- Italy and Spain last met in a pre-tournament match back in March and played to a 1-1 draw in Italy. Spain is undefeated in the last five meetings with three wins and two draws and one of the wins coming in a penalty shootout. Italy’s last win was 2-1 at home in August of 2011. The two sides have met 30 times in the past with Spain winning 11, losing eight and drawing the other 11. Italy has just one win in the last 11 games.
Italy – A Closer Look:
Italy is currently ranked number 12 in the world by FIFA. They managed to win the European Championship back in 1968 as the host nation. They topped Group E at Euro 2016 with six points from two wins and a loss. They finished level with second-ranked Belgium, but beat them head-to-head. The Italians downed the Belgians 2-0 in their opening match and then beat 35th-ranked Sweden on a late goal. The Italians had the group won when they were beaten 1-0 by 33rd-ranked Republic of Ireland on a late goal in the 85th minute. Italy outscored their opponents 3-1 in the group stage.
Spain – A Closer Look:
Spain is currently ranked number six in the world by FIFA. They played in Group D with the 30th-ranked Czech Republic, 27th-ranked Croatia and 18th-ranked Turkey. Spain opened their tournament with a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic on an 87th-minute goal. They then thumped Turkey 3-0 before losing their last match 2-1 to Croatia after missing a penalty kick. Spain finished as runners up with six points from two wins and a loss while outscoring their opponents 5-2. Spain is hoping to win its fourth overall European Championship.
Italy vs Spain – Takeaway:
The winner of this match will take on the winner of the Germany vs Slovakia contest which is being held the previous day. The winners will meet on Saturday, July 2nd in Bordeaux.
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by Ian S. Palmer