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Spain take on Italy in the first meeting of two heavyweight nations at Euro 2024, as both sides look to progress to the last 16 with victory in Gelsenkirchen.
Spain started their Euro 2024 campaign with an impressive win over Croatia and will want to build on it with a similar performance against the holders. Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal were on target for Spain in their Group B opener, as Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in the history of the men’s Euros when he made his starting appearance aged 16 years and 338 days.
Italy also recorded a win in their opening game, although their 2-1 victory over Albania was not quite as convincing. Both these teams, who are meeting at a fifth consecutive Euros, are among the favourites to come through what was described as the “group of death” but the game between the two could decide who will finish top.
Follow the score and latest updates from Spain v Italy below.
HT Spain 0-0 Italy
Gareth Southgate’s side remain unbeaten and top of Group C on four points and on the brink of progress to the last 16.
But Neville is adamant Rice is not at the same level as some of the best holding midfielders in Europe when picking the ball up from the back line and claims Southgate could learn from how Mikel Arteta handled him for Arsenal towards the end of the season.
Mike Jones20 June 2024 20:54
Half-time: Spain 0-0 Italy
There’s the half-time whistle.
Pedri and Nico Williams squandered huge early headed chances, and although Spain dominated the rest of the half, they were mostly limited to pot shots from around the box. Italy offered almost nothing, but on the plus side, they are halfway to a very useful draw.
Lawrence Ostlere20 June 2024 20:49
Spain 0-0 Italy
45 min: Italy make a rare foray forwards and Federico Chiesa wastes the moment, lashing over from the right corner of the penalty box.
Lawrence Ostlere20 June 2024 20:47
Spain 0-0 Italy
43 min: Italy are just a couple of minutes away now from the safety of half-time. They need to regroup and perhaps make a change.
Lawrence Ostlere20 June 2024 20:45
Spain 0-0 Italy
40 min: Fabian Ruiz gets another shot away from range, but it’s comfortable for Donnarumma to collect.
Lawrence Ostlere20 June 2024 20:42
Spain 0-0 Italy
38 min: The sting has been taken out of Spain’s play a little in the last few minutes, and Italy are enjoying a breather of sorts, passing the ball between themselves in defence as Spain sit off. For now.
Lawrence Ostlere20 June 2024 20:41
Spain 0-0 Italy
35 min: … but it comes to nothing.
Spain have been excellent everywhere but the Italian penalty area.
Lawrence Ostlere20 June 2024 20:38
Spain 0-0 Italy
34 min: Williams produces another lovely bit of skill on Spain’s left wing and wins a free-kick, from where he can deliver a cross…
Lawrence Ostlere20 June 2024 20:37
Spain 0-0 Italy
29 min: Morata tries a bit of skill that doesn’t come off on the edge of the Italian box, and he ends up clumsily fouling Di Lorenzo in an attempt to win back the ball.
Lawrence Ostlere20 June 2024 20:31
Spain 0-0 Italy
26 min: Rodri tries a long-range shot but it’s well wide of the target. A moment later, Spain stitch together a nice passing move and Rodri has another chance from the edge of the box, but this time it’s blocked.
Lawrence Ostlere20 June 2024 20:29