Spain vs. Italy: preview and betting tips

Thursday’s football programme will feature the semi-finals of the third edition of the Nations League. Spain and Italy will face off in the Netherlands, what to expect from the confrontation of two of Europe’s top teams and what to bet on?

Spain are in far from ideal form, having won only one of their last five games, losing 0-2 to Scotland in the second round of European Championship qualifying in Germany. Even at the Winter World Cup, they only managed to win a game against Costa Rica.

Italy has also already lost in qualifying, but to a much stronger England and on their soil. The mainstays of its squad are drawn from the finals of European competitions, with Squadra Azzura winning four of the last six matches.

Spain’s key figures

The midfield belongs to the only 18-year-old Gavi, the Barcelona mainstay has scored three times and assisted seven. He will be partnered by Rodri, who signed Manchester City’s treble with a 4+7 record and reliable performances.

Italy’s key figures

On the away side, it is impossible not to mention Nicolo Barella, the Inter midfielder netted nine goals and assisted ten times. On the left side of the defence, there is a certainty in the form of Federico Dimarco, another finalist in this year’s LM final, he struck six times and assisted ten goals.

Spain has been lacking a striker for a long time, hence the lack of productivity. It has scored more than once in only three of its last nine games. Twice it came up empty, and it wasn’t against any top clubs (Japan, Morocco).

Moreover, Italy is strong away from home, having lost only three of the last 28 matches on the opponents’ pitches. It was the only one to go through Euro 2021 without a loss, due to the mass hosting of several teams.

Considering the form of the Italian players from Inter Milan and Naples, the very good away results of the Italians and the offensive woes of the Spaniards, I think Squadra Azzura will reach the final.

Source: UEFA, Livesport