The Euro 2024 tournament churns ahead on Thursday, and we have a trio of pivotal matches on the docket. Below I'll dive into each contest from a betting perspective and let you know where I'm laying my money on the pitch. Here are our top Euro 2024 picks and predictions for Thursday’s games. Below we dive into Thursday’s Euro 2024 match: Spain vs. Italy.
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Thursday’s Best Euro 2024 Bets: Spain vs. Italy
(2024 Euro odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Spain vs. Italy
Thursday's nightcap features a heavyweight tilt in Group B between Spain and Italy. Both countries won their opening match, with the Spanish taking care of Croatia 3-0 and the Italians downing Albania 2-1. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET from Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
Unlike the midday match, I'm expecting quite a bit of scoring between Spain and Italy. Spain cruised to a 3-0 win over Croatia, but I think the scoreboard is a bit deceiving of how the game actually played out. Luis de la Fuente's men allowed 15 shot attempts (four on target), which translated to an xG of 2.1 for Croatia. This game could've easily seen more scoring.
Spain's defense is their biggest weakness, and with the run-and-gun style that they play, it often leaves them exposed in their own third. Italy has the scorers up front to make them pay if provided the opportunity. I think the Italians will manage at least one goal, which should be enough for this score to go over the total.
Spain has seen at least three combined goals in their last four matches, averaging 5.0 total goals per match over the span! Meanwhile, Italy is averaging 1.4 goals per match over their last five, and they've scored at least twice in three of those five contests. Let's take the over with these two powerhouse teams.
Bet: Over 2.5 (+125)
