Italy v Spain: Azzurri favoured in mouthwatering semi-final
It’s no surprise to learn that European Championship semi-finals tend to be tight affairs. Going back to the beginning of Euro ’96, the 12 previous final-four fixtures have produced an average of only 1.83 goals per-game. A strong 67% of matches featured Under 2.5 Goals 1.70,
Euro 2020 has averaged an encouraging 2.81 goals per-game and the quarter-final contests involving Italy and Spain suggested neither team are likely to sit back, or revert to a pragmatic style of play.
read also Euro 2020: Spain’s Luis Enrique out to settle old scores with Italy
In their absolute tiki-taka pomp, Spain swept Italy aside 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012, but the balance of power has shifted a little since. Italy eliminated La Roja with a 2-0 win in the 2016 European Championship last-16 before the duo met in qualification for the 2018 World Cup – Spain were cushy winners in Madrid following a fair 1-1 draw in Turin.
Italy have not won the Euros since 1968 but the Azzurri have arguably been the standout side in the 2020 edition. Roberto Mancini’s team are unbeaten in almost three years and have shipped just two goals across their last 13 outings (W12-D1-L0). No remaining nation boasts a better non-penalty triumph making Italy fair favourites.