Spain Clashes with Italy: Complete Viewing Guide, Match Preview and Starting Lineups Revealed

Spain prepares to conclude their Women's Euro 2025 group phase campaign against Italy this Friday. Both teams currently occupy the top two positions in Group B standings.

Following impressive victories of 5–0 against Portugal and 6–2 versus Belgium, Spain has already secured their quarterfinal berth but requires at least one point to confirm their position as group winners.

Italy remains unbeaten with a 1–0 triumph over Belgium and a 1–1 stalemate against Portugal in their initial fixtures. Should Italy defeat Spain, they would overtake the current World Cup holders to claim the Group C summit. A single point would suffice for Italy to secure their quarterfinal qualification.

If Italy falls to Spain, this would create an opportunity for Portugal to claim the second qualifying spot in Group B. However, Portugal would need to overcome Belgium while hoping for a significant five-goal differential between their victory margin and Italy's potential loss to Spain.

Following two dominant and goal-heavy performances, Spain emerges as the tournament favorites at Women's Euro 2025. While anything is possible in football, Italy faces a challenging task ahead. Nevertheless, Italy claimed victory in their most recent encounter, winning 3-2 in December 2023.

Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview for the decisive Group B encounter at Women's Euro 2025.

What time does Spain vs. Italy kick off?

How to watch Spain vs. Italy on TV

Spain team news

Current Ballon d'Or holder Aitana Bonmatí has returned to availability following her hospitalization due to viral meningitis prior to Euro 2025.

Bonmatí has not featured in a starting role at this tournament but has appeared as a substitute in both of Spain's group matches (10 minutes versus Portugal and 45 minutes against Italy). Manager Montse Tomé might delay her first start for another match, as young talent Vicky López has excelled in her absence.

Another potential change involves goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares, who might be replaced by Cata Coll. Although Nanclares has started both previous matches, Coll remains the established number one choice. Coll missed the initial games due to tonsillitis.

Since Spain only requires a draw to secure top seeding in Group B, Tomé may consider squad rotation to maintain player fitness for the quarterfinal stage.

Additionally, Laia Aleixandri and Ona Batlle face one-match suspensions if they receive yellow cards against Italy, providing another incentive for tactical changes.

Spain predicted lineup vs. Italy

Spain (4-3-3): Esther Sullastres; Ona Batlle, María Méndez, Laia Aleixandri, Olga Carmona; Patri Guijarro, Mariona Caldentey, Alexia Putellas; Clàudia Pina, Esther González, Salma Paralluelo

Italy team news

Manager Andrea Soncin currently has no fresh injury concerns to address. The primary consideration will be countering Spain's attacking threat, potentially favoring a more defensive formation to withstand their offensive capabilities.

Italy has four players at risk of suspension due to yellow card accumulation. Sofia Cantore, Lucia Di Guglielmo, Manuela Giugliano and Martina Lenzini are each one booking away from missing the quarterfinal round.

Italy predicted lineup vs. Spain

Portugal (3-5-2): Patrícia Morais; Ana Seiça, Carole Costa, Ana Borges; Joana Marchão, Fátima Pinto, Andreia Jacinto, Andreia Faria, Catarina Amado; Ana Dias, Dolores Silva