JAKARTA - The big match will determine who will first step into the last 16 of Euro 2024. Spanish striker Alvaro Morata is already waiting for Italy's main opponent in the Group B duel at the Arena AufSchalke Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Friday, June 21, 2024 early morning WIB.
Spain and Italy started the fight at Euro 2024 by winning. Spain convincingly beat Croatia 3-0.
Italy itself had to work hard and lag behind before winning 2-1 over Albania. Both are on point three, but Spain is at the top of the standings because they are ahead of goal difference
The match between the two teams will be determined. Because the winning team will get the last 16 tickets. However, the chances of the losing team have not been closed because they are still playing the last match.
Morata is optimistic that Spain will win a second victory as well as get a ticket to the knockout round. The Spanish captain can't wait to face Gli Azzurri, who is the defending champion.
Italy is definitely not salty for Morata. The reason is, he has played for Juventus for four seasons with different time spans.
The 31-year-old forward first joined Juve from 2014 to 2016. At that time, Juve bought Morata from Real Madrid.
Next, he returned to Juve in 2020 to 2022. This time, Morata is a loan player from Atletico Madrid.
"I'm completely ready. We also have good training and I can't wait for this match," said Morata.
"I've been waiting for him for a long time," said the striker who scored the first goal when Spain beat Croatia. Only, he was then withdrawn in the second half due to injury.
However, Morata is ready to perform well because it is only a minor injury. Coach Luis de la Fuente remains the first choice in front of La Roja.
Not only Morata, but midfielder Fabian Ruiz is already familiar with Italian football.
The 28-year-old midfielder played for Napoli for five seasons before being released to Paris Saint-Germain. While in Napoli, Ruiz was handled by Luciano Spalletti who is now coaching the Italian national team.
Moving to Ligue 1 France, he has skyrocketed. Ruiz has also been one of PSG's pillars for the last two seasons.
Ruiz said the victory over Croatia was Spain's valuable capital against Italy.
"It is important to start the tournament by winning the first match. Moreover, we beat the strong Croatian team. Now we are ready to face the next match," Ruiz said.
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Spain came to Germany by becoming one of the seeded teams. But Ruiz doesn't think of Spain as his favorite team.
"I don't know if we become favorites. What is clear is that we will fight all out to reach the final," he said.
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