Italy and Spain are set to continue their storied rivalry in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday, marking their eighth encounter at European Championships and their fifth consecutive meeting in the tournament's history since 1960. The clash between these footballing giants underscores one of the most intense rivalries in Euro history.
Spain's ascendance in Euro tournaments began notably at Euro 2008, where they narrowly defeated Italy in the quarterfinals on their way to clinching their inaugural European Championship title. Their rivalry peaked during Euro 2012, culminating in Spain's commanding 4-0 victory over Italy in the final, showcasing their dominance at the time.
Previously, Spain had envied Italy's rich footballing heritage, which included four World Cup titles, while Spain struggled to achieve similar success. However, Spain's resurgence saw them achieve back-to-back Euro triumphs in 2008 and 2012, complementing their 2010 World Cup victory.
Recent encounters between Italy and Spain have been closely contested, with one of the most memorable being Italy's triumph in the Euro 2020 semifinal. After a tense 1-1 draw, Italy emerged victorious in a dramatic penalty shootout, highlighting their resilience on the international stage. While their upcoming Group B clash may lack the high stakes of previous tournaments, both teams aim to assert their dominance early in the competition and pave the way for potential future encounters in the knockout stages.
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