Euro 2016 preview and odds: Italy vs Spain

Published on: 27/06/2016

Euro 2016 preview and odds: Italy vs Spain

Stade de France, Saint-Denis - 18:00pm 26 June 2016

Round of 16

All eyes will be on the Stade de France on Monday afternoon as reigning champions Spain take on Italy for a place in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals.

Champions face nemesis in round of 16

Italy and Spain have had some epic battles over the years with the Spanish having come out on top in recent years. The teams last met in the final of this event back in 2012 when Vicente del Bosque`s men strolled to a 4-0 victory.

The Italians like nothing more than exacting revenge and will fancy their chances on Monday against a Spanish side that have shown a few glimpses of vulnerability in this tournament. However, there are also some question marks over the Italians ability and both sides will be looking to prove their credentials on Monday.

The victory in Kiev four years ago sealed Spain`s second-straight European Championship title and they will now be aiming to make it three in a row. They also beat Italy on the way to the 2008 crown - but on that occasion it took a penalty shootout to separate the teams following a 0-0 draw. Prior to that win, Spain had never beaten Italy in a competitive environment.

The teams have followed similar paths in this event - both winning their first two matches and then losing their third. Although it should be pointed out that the Italy fielded a much-changed side for the clash with Ireland.

Spain have been one of the best disciplined sides at the tournament having received just one yellow card so far. In stark contrast, the Italians have already been cautioned on 10 occasions.

Form (all competitions):

Italy: LWWWW

Spain: LWWLW

Betting predictions

Spain have completed around 800 more passes than their opponents at this event and have a 92% accuracy rate. As well as being strong in possession, Spain also seem to have solved their striking issues with Alvaro Morata steeping up to the plate at the right time. The tournaments joint-top scorer could prove the difference on Monday.

You can back Alvaro Morata to score anytime at 21/20 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 27/06/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (27/06/2016 12:49:52) but are subject to change.