So we still have to wait the first verdict of the European Championship he was born in Group B, that of Luciano Spalletti’s Italy who are expected to play the match against Italy tomorrow (Thursday 20 June). Spain. And the match against the Furie Rosse could immediately launch the Azzurri to the round of 16, or postpone the qualification discussion to the third and final day of the group stage.
If Italy wins against Spain…
The simplest “combination” is also the rosiest one for Italy: with a victory against Spain, Donnarumma and his teammates would immediately qualify for the round of 16. And above all they would have the certainty of finishing in first place in the group (HERE is the ranking updated in real time).
What happens in case of a tie
With a tie against Spain, however, the pass to the round of 16 would not be arithmetic immediately after the match against the Red Furies. The only certainty would be in not blue elimination, because – in the worst case scenario – Italy would finish their group in third place. We remember that the top two national teams from each group plus the four best third-placed teams qualify for the round of 16. In short, with a draw against Spain on the final day against Croatia, Italy will only need to not lose to finish in second place in Group B.
How the race for the round of 16 changes in case of defeat against Spain
Finally, if the Azzurri were to lose against Spain they would be certain to have lost the group lead and the last match against the Croatians will become a real “play-off” to continue dreaming in Germany.
The rules: how the best thirds are established
In addition to the first in each group, as mentioned, the four best third-placed teams also qualify for the European Championship round of 16. These are the criteria that are taken into consideration to draw up a mini-ranking of the third-placed teams in each Group:
