On Wednesday, Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s head coach, remarked on the striking similarities between his team and Italy as both sides aim to secure qualification for the knockout stages of Euro 2024.
Both La Roja and the reigning champions Italy have experienced significant changes in their squads over the past year, introducing young talent across the board. Spain has adopted a more direct style under De la Fuente compared to the era of previous coach Luis Enrique. Meanwhile, Luciano Spalletti is working to instill a high-intensity attacking approach in Italy, similar to the style that brought him success in Serie A with Napoli.
“They’re very similar to us; they have changed coach and they have young players. They are very competitive,” De la Fuente told reporters. “It’s almost like we’re looking in a mirror actually. We are a growing, developing team which is working on cohesion and consistency and so are they. I think it will be a very high-quality match.”
The two teams, who have a history of facing each other in the last four Euros, are set to clash in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday. Both Spain and Italy are currently tied at the top of Group B with three points each, two points ahead of Albania and Croatia, who drew 2-2 earlier on Wednesday.
De la Fuente, confident in his fully fit squad, emphasized that Spain’s objective is to win rather than merely avoid defeat to secure top spot in their final group game against Albania. “Without doubt, we want to win. This game is the most important game for us so far,” he said. “That is the only thing we’re thinking about… We play all matches to win. I don’t know how to play any other way.”
Fabian Ruiz, poised to face his former Napoli coach Spalletti, dismissed the notion of Spain being favorites for the Euros, despite their impressive debut victory over Croatia. “We don’t see ourselves as favorites, but we have confidence in our potential,” said Ruiz. “We know we have the quality to get to the final and we’ll do what we can to get there. Maybe if we get to the final, I’ll be able to tell you whether we’re favorites or not. But it’s very difficult to win a tournament.”
As both teams prepare for this pivotal encounter, the anticipation is high for a match that promises to showcase the talents and tactical evolutions of two of Europe’s top footballing nations.
Spain’s Coach Sees Reflection in Italy Ahead of Euro 2024 Clash
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