European Under-21: Spain-Italy, the probable formations

The one between Spain and Italy is not only a prestigious challenge between two selections already qualified for the knockout stage of the 2025 European Under-21 Championship: the Rojita and the Azzurrini, in fact, play for the first place in Group A of the competition, won five times by both (Spain won in the 1986, 1998, 2011, 2013, 2019 editions, Italy in the 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000 and 2004 editions).

Guided by Santi Denia, a lifetime at Atletico Madrid as a footballer, Spain won the first two matches not without suffering, beating Slovakia 3-2 with a decisive goal in the 90′ by Tarrega and 2-1 Romania after going into a disadvantage, scoring the two comeback goals in the 85’85’ with Jauregizar and in the 88’88’ with Fernandez Jaen. The form envisioned by the 1974-born coach is the 4-2-3-1, which relies on the speed of Juanlu and Jesus Rodriguez and Roberto as the main pivot of the attack.

The Italy led by Carmine Nunziata, on the other hand, emerged victorious 1-0 against both Romania, with Baldanzi′ s goal-victory on 26′ (and a penalty saved by Desplanches from Munteanu on 48′ of the first half), and Slovakia, knocked out by Casadei′ s goal on 7′. Both the Roma and Torino players, however, are expected to rest ahead of the quarters: behind the sole striker Ambrosino (who in all likelihood will in turn give Gnonto breathing room) should be Pisilli and Fazzini.

Probable lineups

SPAGNA (4-2-3-1): Cunat; Pubill, Rafa Marin, Herzog, Garcia; Jauregizar, Javi Guerra; Juanlu, Moleiro, Jesus Rodriguez; Roberto. C.t. Santi Denia.

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ITALY (3-4-2-1): Desplanches; Ghilardi, Coppola, Guarino; Kayode, Bianco, Doumbia, Turicchia; Pisilli, Fazzini; Ambrosino. C.t. Nunziata.