UEFA Nations League: Spain vs. Italy Preview, Odds, Betting Tips, Prediction

Spain and Italy had plenty of interesting clashes in the past, and each time these two old enemies meet, the fans have delight ahead of them. After the semis of the Europan championship, they are now in the semifinals of the UEFA Nations League, attacking the finals and the title of this competition. The Italians need something to cover up the fact that they haven’t participated in the World Cup, while the Spanish unit needs the same to erase bad memories from the same. 

Preview

Spain (+130) was stunned following a defeat to Morocco and their elimination in Round 16 of the World Cup. It was apparent already in the group stage that this team wasn’t playing good football and that the chemistry was more than fragile.

The problems in the attack are something that pulls back the entire unit. Without a decent striker, Spain’s chances of making something big on the international stage are very, very low. That’s why Luis de la Fuente needs to come up with a solution as soon as possible. 

By the way, Luis Enrique left the team after the World Cup, and de la Fuente jumped in as a replacement. That’s another problem for the Red Fury who now has to deal with that as well.

Roberto Mancini is, for the moment, safe on Italy‘s (+320) bench, but if there isn’t a notable success in the near future, he might be out of the picture as well. The experienced head coach opened the qualifiers for the EURO with a loss at home to England, 1-2. 

That wasn’t a good sign for the public, who became pretty unsettled with such an outcome, particularly because Italy lost to Austria in the friendly international before the start of the World Cup. 

The best part of the team, the back line, has entered a rebuilding process, and knowing that the Italians rely their tactics on very strong defense, this is something that causes the majority of their issues. 

Latest News

Pedri is out for Spain, and he isn’t called up. David Garcia and Nico Williams withdrew, while Nacho and Ansu Fati jumped in.

Bonucci is back in the squad and is expected to start. Immobile is ready to take his place in the attack.

Head to Head Games

The two units played in the 2021 UEFA Nations League semis, and the Spanish team won 2-1. A few months prior to that clash, Italy met with the Red Fury in the EURO semis, winning after penalties. 

The previous six games between these teams ended with moderate efficiency, 2 or 3 goals, and all of them were in the past seven years.

Prediction

Expect a bit dull and slow pace here, with neither team opening early on. This will be a possession game, with both teams keeping the ball in their feet and controlling the rhythm rather than trying to do something concrete. Under 2.5 goals is the first thing that crosses our minds, with the odds at -166.

Pick: Under 2.5 goals -166

Here is the preview for the second semifinal game – Netherlands vs. Croatia.