In what is a heavyweight European showdown on Thursday night, Spain and Italy will be looking to punch their Nations League final ticket when they meet in the Netherlands.
With all of Europe’s attention turning to the De Grolsch Veste in midweek, Roberto Mancini’s squad will be desperate to spring an upset following their exile from the World Cup over the winter.
Two European icons who are both smelling the chance to get their hands on a piece of international silverware this month, we could be treated to fireworks in Holland.
In what promises to be a heavyweight battle in Enschede, we are also treated to a host of interesting betting markets.
For those of you looking to stick on a Thursday Nations League flutter, we have created your perfect Spain vs Italy bet builder special.
Joselu to spearhead La Roja’s charge
Bursting onto the international stage after bagging a brace as Spain opened their European Championships qualifying adventure with a 3-0 victory against Norway on March 25th, Joselu should once again be handed the chance to spearhead Luis de la Fuente’s attack here.
While Espanyol might have lost their La Liga status this season and come under a huge amount of scrutiny on either side of the World Cup’s winter break, the one-time Newcastle misfit has continued on a stellar free-scoring campaign.
Notching 16 goals in Spain’s top-flight this season – a tally that was only surpassed by Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema – Joselu has a string of admirers this summer.
With no Espanyol player mustering more shots on target than the 33-year-old this season, the two-cap international did sign off the 2022/23 campaign with four goals in his final seven domestic outings.
Mustering another shot on target as the former European champions suffered that infamous 2-0 loss at the hands of Scotland back in March, Joselu will be looking to test an Italian defence that have recorded just a single clean sheet from their previous four appearances.
Bet Builder Tip: Joselu to have over 0.5 shots on target @ 8/15 with Olympusbet
Another Tonali tightrope
With Italy looking to secure back-to-back victories for just the second time since their European Championships success two years ago, Sandro Tonali could be set for another eventful night in the heart of Italy’s midfield.
While the AC Milan star might have become a key part of Mancini’s plans since making his international debut back in 2019, the 23-year-old has gained a reputation for his disciplinary issues.
Collecting seven Serie A bookings for the Italian icons this season – a tally that was only surpassed by Rade Krunic (8) – Tonali also gave away more fouls than any other midfielder at the San Siro this year (35).
Likewise, shown a pair of bookings in just his three Nations League appearances prior to the World Cup’s festive break, the former Brescia starlet is also averaging a caution every 88 minutes.
With no player in Mancini’s squad brandished with a Nations League caution on more occasions than Tonali last year, AC Milan’s midfield talisman could walk another tightrope in Holland.
Bet Builder Tip: Sandro Tonali to be shown a card at anytime @ 23/10 Dachbet
Chances at both ends of the pitch
With Spain claiming an action-packed 2-1 victory when the two European heavyweights last met back in October 2021 during the inaugural Nations League, Thursday’s opponents do have a history of producing fireworks.
Watching three of their last four competitive meetings finish with both teams finding the net, both La Roja and Italy have shown their own extended defensive issues.
Along with the reigning European champions mustering just a single clean sheet from their previous four appearances, Spain are also seeking some much-needed stability at the back.
Including that remarkable 2-1 loss against Japan out in Qatar over the winter, Fuente’s men have come away unscathed in just one of their last five showdowns across all competitions.
Likewise, continuing on from the run in the inaugural tournament two years ago, Spain have also witnessed five of their previous seven Nations League appearances finish with both teams getting on the scoresheet.
Bet Builder Tip: Both teams to score @ 1/1 with Luckster
Spain vs Italy Bet Builder Special
- Joselu to have over 0.5 shots on target @ 8/15
- Sandro Tonali to be shown a card at anytime @ 23/10
- Both teams to score @ 1/1
Place a £10 bet on our Nations League Bet Builder Special with Vegas Land and pocket £101.20 if all predictions are correct.
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