Late drama in the Croatia v Spain match has earned the Azzurri a tremendous potential lineup in the knockout stages.
Italy will not face Croatia or the Czech Republic as desired, instead it is Spain who were defeat for the first time since Euro 2004 by a late Ivan Perisic screamer.
The potential scenario that the Azzurri would face in a quest to the Finale in Paris is quite astonishing as many of the giants have been paired on the same side of the bracket.
As it stands, Italy, England, Spain, France, Germany and potentially Portugal would start on the same side of the tournament bracket. Italy would have to first conquer Spain, then a suspected quarterfinal clash with Germany, only then to meet up with France in the semis. An unprecedented series of fixtures where all the aforementioned teams are favorites to win the tournament.
Italy have already secured the top spot of Group E, yet they still have to play Ireland before the date with Spain next Monday.
Antonio Conte is likely to rest many star players for tomorrow’s clash in order to be at 100% for the Spain game, where recent results in this competition have not gone their way.
The Italians were knocked out on penalties in Euro 2008 and the Confederations Cup semi finals in 2013. In addition, the two southern European nations met twice in Euro 2012. The first in the group stage and then the dreaded 4-0 thumping in the finals.
Against Germany, the Azzurri have never lost a competitive match, there would be a lot of emphasis to make it to the quarterfinals to face the World Champions for pride and prestige purposes.
Assuming there are no upsets, France would await in the semifinals where perhaps the most historic derby would take place. The last two tournament meetings between the two sides have gone in favor of the Azzurri in 2006 and 2008.
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