Euro 2024: Italy's potential route to the final

Italy are in a less tough bracket compared to Spain.

We examine the opponents Italy might see on the way to the European Championship final now that they have guaranteed a position in the Euro 2024 last 16.

After defeating England in the 2020 tournament at Wembley on penalties, Italy are the defending champion going into Euro 2024.

2-1 vs. Albania: The Italians started the match poorly, giving up the fastest goal in the history of the European Championships in just 23 seconds. However, the Azzurri rallied rapidly, taking the lead less than 20 minutes later. Although they experienced some difficulties, they never felt as though their victory was in jeopardy after they took the lead.

Italy lost the second Group game 1-0 to Spain. This matchup between the Euro 2020 champions and the team they defeated in the semifinals was arguably the most intriguing of the whole group stage. Ultimately, Spain gained additional retribution as they went on to defeat Italy in two subsequent Nations League semifinal matches. Italy faced nine shots but only managed one on goal.

Italy nearly had to make do for third place after a 1-1 draw with Croatia. After missing a penalty just moments before, Luka Modric scored 10 minutes into the second half, sending them behind Croatia well into injury time. However, Mattia Zaccagni secured the point and second place for Italy with a lovely curling goal in the eighth minute of injury time. Croatia was eliminated from the competition as well.

Italy’s route to the final of Euro 2024:

Last 16: Olympiastadion Berlin, 29 June

Italy will face Switzerland

Italy finished second in Group B meant they will face Group A runners-up Switzerland in the last 16. One can say that the Swiss shouldn’t be underestimated because we saw they were the better side in Group A and almost defeated Germany in their last Group match.

Quarterfinal: Merkur spiel arena Saturday 6th July

If Italy advances they will face more tough sides and they will play the Netherlands in the last 16 matchup, or perhaps England. This will be an intense match as both sides will be favourites to reach the semi-final.

Semi-final: Signal Iduna Park Thursday 11 July

They might face Austria or Belgium in the semi-finals, making this the more straightforward half of the bracket on paper. If they reach the final then Italy will be more favourites to reach the final given their pedigree at the international level. They always manage to scrape a win when they reach deeper in the tournament.

Final: Olympiastadion Berlin 15 July Saturday

Lastly, a showpiece matchup with any of Spain, Portugal, Germany, or France may be planned.

Where the goals will be going to originate from is the most evident problem facing this Italian team at the moment. Finding a No. 9 is more important to them than the fact that they lack quality.

Although the Italians scored 16 goals in qualification, compared to 22 goals from England and Belgium, 25 goals from Spain, 29 goals from France, and 36 goals from Portugal, it is possible that their lack of cohesiveness up front may be a problem.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.