Euro 2024: Italy, Spain meet for fifth European Championship in a row

Defending champion Italy plays Spain on Thursday in one of the most anticipated games at Euro 2024.

Spain leads Group B ahead of Italy on goal difference after both teams won their opening games. Croatia and Albania are the other teams in the group.

Kick-off is at 9 pm local (1900 GMT) in Gelsenkirchen. Here's what to know about the match:

Match facts

Italy survived a scare against Albania when Nedim Bajrami scored after 23 seconds - the fastest goal in Euros history. A 2-1 come-from-behind win avoided embarrassment for Luciano Spalletti's team.

There were no such concerns for Spain after a dominant 3-0 win against World Cup semi-finalist Croatia.

Italy beat Spain on penalties in the semi-finals of the last Euros after a 1-1 draw through extra time at Wembley Stadium. The team, then coached by Roberto Mancini, also needed penalties to beat England in the final.

Build up to the last game in Gelsenkirchen - Serbia vs. England - had been overshadowed by concerns about fan violence.