A great classic of the Europeans and not only, Italy-Spain it is one of the most exciting big matches of these groups of Euro2024, with many key players ready to battle. Two coaches in comparison, Spalletti and De la Fuente, who love a proactive and controlling game that suggests a match without too many pleasantries. The Red Furies certainly have more individuality: from Yamal to Rodri and Morata, but the Azzurri can count on the creativity of Chiesa and Scamacca and above all on the leadership of Barella.
Barella surpasses Totti for goals for the national team
Spain won 3-0 against Croatia in their first match and are aiming to top the group. Italy overcame Albania, convincing more in the first half than in the second, but with many interesting ideas for the rest of the tournament. The key man for the Azzurri is certainly Nicolò Barella, who scored on his debut against Albania with a surgical right-footed counterattack. For the Inter midfielder it was goal number 10 with the national team, a loot higher than that of Francesco Totti who had only collected 9 in his adventure with the Azzurri. The Sardinian top player is now an absolute leader of the group, with a very rich background behind him. From the European Championship won with Italy in 2021 to the two championships obtained with Inter. Not to mention the two European finals he won with the Nerazzurri (Europa League and Champions League).
Barella is not only one of the technical leaders but also the emotional point of reference of the group, the one who manages to turn the match around with his always hot temperament. Tactically he is perfect, present in every area of the pitch with quality and uncommon athleticism. Certainly in the prime of his career, with a maturity now fully consolidated that can make him the decisive man even against Spain.
Fabian Ruiz, De la Fuente’s wildcard
On the other hand, however, De La Fuente can count on midfielders of the caliber of Rodri and Pedri but also a wild card who can play both as a midfielder and as an attacking midfielder. Fabian Ruiz he was the extra man in the match between Spain and Croatia, collecting a goal and an assist (for Morata’s goal). With his educated left foot, the former Napoli player designed football, always giving few points of reference at a tactical level.
This season he scored 3 goals and 7 assists with the PSG shirt but he seems to be even more at ease with the Furie Rosse jersey. Certainly less incisive than Barella on an athletic level, but perhaps with more solutions in his technical baggage. Fabian knows Barella well, having often challenged him during his years in Serie A with the Napoli shirt. Now he will face it as a more mature player, with a central role also in his national team.
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