It’s three years since Roberto Mancini’s Italy edged past England at the Euro 2020 final in London, with the Azzurri looking to defend their crown in Germany this summer.
Italy are once again among the front-runners for Euro 2024, alongside the likes of England, Portugal, Spain and World Cup runners-up France.
But in order to reach the latter stages of the competition, the big nations will have to negotiate some tricky contests in their respective groups.
And ahead of the tournament’s opening match between Germany and Scotland, Flashscore have picked the key head-to-head battle from each of the six Euro 2024 groups.
Group A: Germany vs Hungary (19th June)
Kicking things off in Group A with the host nation, Germany will take on Hungary for the second consecutive European Championships.
Germany needed an 84th-minute goal to avoid defeat against Hungary last time out - a point that sent Die Mannschaft through at their opponent’s expense.
But Hungary have improved since then, with the Mighty Magyars going unbeaten during qualification.
All eyes will be on the Stuttgart Arena for the second round of fixtures in Group A, given the importance this match could hold in deciding who finishes first.
Group B: Spain vs Italy (20th June)
Football fans have been treated to a stellar Group B line-up, with reigning champions Italy drawn against Albania, Croatia and three-time winners Spain.
And it’s Italy’s game against Los Roja that should carry the most weight in this group, given the slender margin for error.
It’s perfectly placed too, with Italy and Spain meeting midway through the group stage, meaning the victor should book their spot in the knockout stages.
Plus, there’s an added incentive for both of these teams to take three points, as the Group B winner will be paired against one of the third-place qualifiers in the last-16.
Group C: Denmark vs Serbia (25 June)
One of the most balanced sections at this year’s tournament, all four teams in Group C will harbour hopes of progression to the knockouts.
And while England are tipped as heavy favourites to qualify as group winners, the second qualification spot is anybody’s guess.
Slovenia will hope to have their say in proceedings, but the likely money will go on one of Denmark or Serbia to finish as Group C runner-up.
The pair will meet in the final round of group fixtures and if things go to plan, it could prove to be an all-or-nothing contest.
Group D: Netherlands vs Austria (25th June)
All the Group D attention will be on France, but even with the addition of the Netherlands, it’s hard to see Kylian Mbappe and co. not waltzing through.
If that turns out to be the case, it should set-up a tasty fight for second place, with the Dutch likely to be up against Austria.
Austria have been in fine form under ex-Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick, losing just one of their last 15 matches across all competitions.
And by the time they meet on Matchday Three, the pair will know exactly what they need to progress into the last-16.
Group E: Ukraine vs Belgium (26th June)
Not many people know what to expect from Belgium heading into this summer’s tournament, with the Red Devils having crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage.
New manager Domenico Tedesco has instilled some confidence back into the Belgian fanbase, not least with an unbeaten qualification campaign.
But with a squad still in transition, there’s no guarantees Belgium will top Group D.
Their biggest challenge will likely come from a Ukraine side finding form at the right time, with the pair due to face off in the final round of group games.
Group F: Czechia vs Turkey (26th June)
Finally, Group F, where it’s expected another cutthroat battle will decide the second automatic qualifier.
Portugal are fancied to take top spot, with tournament debutants Georgia the likely Group F losers.
Assuming both Czechia and Turkey can take maximum points off Georgia, it should set up a tasty clash in the final game of the group.
And following their run to the quarter-finals last time around, Czechia will be confident of making it another summer to remember in Germany.
Keep up to date with all the latest scores, statistics and news from Euro 2024 with Flashscore
Website of Source: https://www.flashscore.com
Source: Story.KISSPR.com
Release ID: 1045859