Spain U21 vs Italy U21 Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Euro U21

Spain U21 vs Italy U21 Preview

Tournament: UEFA Euro U21 Championship

Date: Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Time: 07:00 PM GMT

Venue: CITY Arena — Stadion Antona Malatinskeho

In the last round of Group A of the UEFA U21 European Championship, the match between Spain U21 and Italy U21 at the CITY Arena on Tuesday is expected to be a heavyweight contest. This match still has a lot of weight, even though both sides have already guaranteed their berths in the quarterfinals. The top spot in the group is up for grabs.

The most adaptable attacking team in the competition thus far has been Spain U21, led by coach Santi Denia. They play a fast-paced, possession-heavy style that emphasises technical accuracy, positional rotations, and short passes, all in keeping with their national character. They have won two straight games, including a thrilling 2-1 comeback against Romania, demonstrating their strong play. Despite missing a penalty, Mateo Joseph has been a consistent danger up front, while important players like Pablo Torre have directed play from midfield. With their late goal contributions in the previous games, super-subs Roberto Fernandez and Raul Morro both made a compelling case for starting positions.

Under Carmine Nunziata's leadership, Italy U21 adopts a more methodical and practical strategy. They usually take a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 stance, emphasising rapid transitions and defensive stability. Wilfried Gnonto and Cesare Casadei stand out for their inventiveness and link-up play, while Casadei's box-to-box intensity and goal against Slovakia are the main reasons they haven't let up a goal in the tournament. Last time out, midfielder Cher Ndour was voted Player of the Match, showcasing Italy's balance and depth.

On goal differential, Spain leads Group A at the moment, with Italy in second place. La Rojita might finish on top with a draw, but Italy will be aiming for a victory to pass them.

Spain U21 National Football Team News

Although Javi Guerra and Roberto Fernández made strong arguments for starters with their significant goals off the bench, Mateo Joseph's failed penalty dampened the energy from the Spanish team's thrilling 2–1 comeback over Romania. Coach Santi Denia may decide to rotate his team, perhaps resting important players like Pablo Torre or Álex Baena, to keep legs fresh for the knockout stages, since no serious injuries have been recorded.

Italy U21 National Football Team News

After suffering a knee injury against Slovakia, Tommaso Baldanzi is a serious injury concern for Italy and may not be available. But Diego Coppola and Cesare Casadei have reintegrated well after playing for the senior national team, while Wilfried Gnonto is still a creative mainstay following his pivotal assist in the previous game.

Spain U21 vs Italy U21 Predicted Lineups

Spain U21 Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Iturbe

Defenders: Pubill, Tarrega, Mosquera, Martin

Midfielders: Torre, Turrientes, Guerra

Attackers: Sanchez, Joseph, Lopez

Italy U21 Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Desplans

Defenders: Zanotti, Gilliardi, Pirola, Ruggeri

Midfielders: Fabbian, Prati, Ndour

Attackers: Koleosho, Gnonto, Nyonjo

Spain U21 vs Italy U21 Head-to-Head Record

With eight recent meetings, Spain U21 and Italy U21 have one of the most intense rivalries in European youth football. With four victories, Spain leads the competition, Italy has two wins, and the other two games have resulted in ties.

Key Players to Watch Out for in Spain U21 vs Italy U21

Mateo Joseph (Spain U21)

Joseph is yet to make his mark at Leeds United, but he has been an outstanding player for Spain's U21 team, scoring five goals in just four games during the Euro U21 qualifying tournament.

He is a continual danger because of his mobility off the ball, keen instincts in the area, and capacity to stretch defences. His confidence and work ethic are still strong despite a recent missed penalty against Romania, and he will be keen to make an impression against Italy's well-behaved defence.

Wilfried Gnonto (Italy U21)

Gnonto, who has already earned senior Italy caps, is a nightmare for defenders because of his unique combination of speed, strength, and unpredictability.

While his eye for goal and ability to create chances from wide areas provide Italy a critical attacking advantage, his low centre of gravity and quick feet allow him to easily pass opponents in one-on-one situations. Gnonto's deft link-up play was the catalyst for Cesare Casadei's game-winning goal in Italy's victory over Slovakia in the group stage.

Spain U21 vs Italy U21 Prediction

The Spain U21 vs Italy U21 matchup is expected to be very competitive between two technically proficient teams with strong youth backgrounds.

There may be tactical experimentation and squad rotation in this game because both sides have already guaranteed quarterfinal positions. However, momentum and dignity are at stake. Although Italy's tight form and transitioning play may present issues, expect Spain to dominate possession.

Predicted Score: Spain U21 2-1 Italy U21

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