Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come - UEFA Euro 2024 is upon us. The very best nations from across the continent of Europe will compete with one another for the right to be called champions. There are some great teams who are ready to lay it all on the line in the name of greatness, and we can’t wait to see it. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the upcoming clash between Spain and Italy.

Regardless of what their situation may be at any given moment, Spain should always be seen as a nation that is well and truly in the fight. They had their big run between 2008 and 2012 but now, they’ve got a brand new golden generation coming through. At this stage, it’s just a case of figuring out how they can maximise that, and whether or not they’ve got what it takes to win another major trophy.

The Spaniards were absolutely clinical from start to finish in their first game of the tournament against Croatia. They picked their moments perfectly and looked lethal in the final third, leading them down the path of a 3-0 win that sets them up really nicely for the rest of the group.

They may be the reigning European champions, but the Italian national team have to focus on working hard to repair their image. They failed to qualify for the World Cup and as such, they need to remind fans that they are still an elite team within the continent. It’s not going to happen overnight, but they are the defending champs, which is always a big boost heading into this period.

Italy were stunned after going behind against Albania courtesy of the quickest goal in Euros history. Alas, in the blink of an eye, they were able to turn it around, and they held on to secure a 2-1 win that positions them nicely in a group that was always going to be extra competitive.

Spain and Italy are both, in their own right, high quality teams - and we expect to see a really entertaining, technical affair here. We do think they’ll both get on the scoresheet, but neither will do enough to secure all three points, which is why we’re going to predict a draw.