UEFA Nations League preview: Spain vs Italy
On Thursday, Spain and Italy contest the second of this week’s UEFA Nations League semi-finals. Find the latest markets at our sportsbook
Last time we saw Spain in action, they were bested by Scotland, unexpectedly. Scott McTominay scored a brace to power the Scots to victory in the Euro 2024 qualifier.
Spain have looked shaky
Spain have generally looked a tad shaky in recent months; they lost to Japan in the World Cup group stage, and were held to a draw in the same competition by a Germany side experiencing struggles of their own.
Spain would eventually be knocked out of the World Cup by a Morocco team enjoying a magnificent tournament; that was under Luis Enrique. Still, it seems reasonable to observe that new coach Luis de la Fuente could do with a good result against the Italians.
At least Spain made the World Cup, however. Roberto Mancini’s Italy might be current European champions, but they failed to qualify for Qatar 2022, and have been defeated in two of their three most recent matches, losing 2-0 to Austria in a friendly, then going down 2-1 to England in a Euro 2024 qualifier.
Spain and Italy’s most recent encounter came in this competition a couple of years ago, with the Spaniards winning 2-1 on that occasion; before that, Italy knocked Spain out of Euro 2020 in a penalty shootout.
So at the FC Twente Stadium in Enschede, Netherlands, this week, which side will make it to the final? With neither side in the most convincing form, maybe it’s worth banking on a comparative newcomer to shine.
Retegui has played twice, scored twice
Mateo Retegui has played twice, scored twice since becoming part of the Italian national side. That’s despite not speaking Italian, or even having ever lived in the country.
Born in Argentina and currently still playing (on loan from Boca Juniors) for Argentine outfit Tigres, the 24-year-old has been in fine form for his club this season with ten goals in 16 appearances, and may be heading to Serie A in the near future. Before that, Retegui may continue his strong scoring record on Thursday, and is 13/5 to find the net.
As for Spain, they are perhaps not in the best shape, with the influential Pedri unavailable through injury. And the team have become known in recent years for a certain sloppiness in front of goal – even if Costa Rica would disagree, having shipped seven goals against them in the World Cup.
Though it’s early days, there are also already questions about the manager De La Fuente, who was promoted after working with the Under-21 side. It could be that wily old Mancini’s team may be able to get the better of the Spaniards on Thursday. Italy are 7/5 to win in the Draw No Bet market.
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