Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
As part of the third round of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship group stage, Spain and Italy will lock horns. The match is set to take place in Trnava on Tuesday, 17 June, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 Central European Time. I’m backing a bet on the goal total in this encounter.
Match preview
Spain U-21 are perennial favourites at any youth tournament. Santi Denia’s squad showcases a trademark Spanish style: possession-based football, quick passing, and a high defensive line.
The team boasts a strong lineup, featuring standouts such as Gerard Martén, Pablo Torre, and Juanlu Sánchez. In their opening two matches, the Spaniards looked confident going forward, regularly creating and converting chances, though they did show vulnerability at the back when facing quick transitions.
Spain arrived in Slovakia determined to reclaim the European crown, having last won the Under-21 Euros in 2019. In the previous two tournaments, the team topped their group but fell in the semi-finals to Portugal and in the final to England.
Denia’s men kicked off the tournament with two narrow victories. First, they edged past hosts Slovakia, then snatched a win against Romania.
Italy U-21, under Carmine Nunziata, blend classic Italian tactical discipline with a bolder attacking approach. The squad features several Serie A players already experienced at senior level—such as Ruggeri, Prati, and Baldanzi.
In the opening two rounds, the Italians alternated quality spells with defensive lapses, but always looked to play aggressively and push forward. This makes them unpredictable, but also highly dangerous.
Romania failed to capitalise on their chances, and a single Baldanzi goal was enough for Italy to claim victory. In the second matchday, one goal—scored by Casadei—also proved sufficient to defeat Slovakia.
Notably, Italy are one of the most decorated nations in this age group, with five Euro titles to their name. However, they have only reached the semi-finals once in the last five editions.
Match facts
- Spain have won only two of their last five matches.
- Italy have kept clean sheets in two consecutive games.
- Spain average 1.6 goals per game, while Italy average 1.2 goals per game.
Probable lineups
- Spain U-21: Iturbe, Pubill, Tappera, Mosquera, Bueno, Guerra, Turrientes, Sánchez, Torre, López, Joseph.
- Italy U-21: Desplanches, Zanotti, Coppola, Pirola, Ruggeri, Ndour, Prati, Fabbian, Baldanzi, Casadei, Gnonto.
H2H
- Seven of the last eight head-to-head encounters between these teams featured at least three goals.
- Since 2006, Italy have beaten Spain only once.
Prediction
Spain will look to control possession and territory, constantly pressing their opponents. Italy, meanwhile, will aim to exploit weaknesses in Spain’s defence on quick counterattacks. Both sides are packed with technically gifted attacking players capable of creating chances from tight spaces. Given the motivation and the group dynamics, both teams will push for a win to secure top spot. I’m backing under 3 goals in total for this match.
