European Championship: Group B Preview
Group B at Euro 2024 is looking like the most competitive among the six groups this summer. Bar Albania, it’s very difficult to predict who will finish top of this pool. Spain, Italy and Croatia are all in on the running to win Euro 2024 and all three can feasibly qualify for the knockout stage.
There is a lot of football betting interest around Euro 2024 Group B precisely because it’s such an unpredictable group. The big match – Spain vs Italy – takes place in the second round of games and will be vital to seeing who tops the pool.
Saying that, Croatia cannot be written off here. With Luka Modric still pulling the strings, the 2018 World Cup finalists are many punters’ outside bets for the championship in Germany.
As for Albania, they’ve reached this far after beating Czech Republic into second place in their qualifying group. Granted, they are not expected to pick up any points this summer, but football isn’t immune to shock results.
Group B kicks off with Spain vs Croatia on 15 June in Berlin. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has plenty of expectations to carry in this tournament and the odds for Spain to win Euro 2024 hint that he could be successful.
Our guide below explores each Group B Euro 2024 team in detail, and offers up a few tips heading into the tournament.
Euro 2024 Group B
As we mentioned above, Group B is the Group of Death at Euro 2024. Unlucky Albania are the minnows swimming in a pool of sharks. But that doesn’t make the betting any easier…
Italy
Italy are defending European champions but have a point to prove this summer after missing out on the last World Cup. They qualified as runners-up to England and it was only their superior head-to-head record over Ukraine that prevented them falling into the playoffs.
There's a risk punters will side with Italy going far at Euro 2024 based on previous results. Yet there's very little indication that Luciano Spalletti's side are on course for a big summer. Their handful of wins this season have all come against inferior nations. Last spring they endured competitive defeats to both England and Spain.
There are a lot of young players in the Italy squad and Spalletti is still trying to find the right set-up. Consistency at major tournaments is key but the Azzurri just don't have it yet.
Saying that, they weren't fancied to impress at Euro 2020 and still rumbled England in the final at Wembley. Perhaps one can never quite write off the two-time European champions.
Spain
Spain are also going through something of a squad transition but after further along the path. Indeed, the likes of Rodri, Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Morata are now the experienced heads in this side. Spain aren't the seamless unit they have been in the past but what they'll benefit from this summer is a genuine mix of youth and experience.
All eyes are on the likes of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams (21) and Pau Cubarsi (17). The new crop are coming through fast and boss Luis de la Fuente could throw them straight into the action.
Spain are favourites to win Group B. They're the obvious bet when you look at their squad depth, record against other teams in the group, and potential in this tournament.
Croatia
Croatia have a sensational recent record at World Cups but their prowess on the European stage is far less impressive. They haven't made the quarter-finals since 2008 when the tournament featured a reduced 16 nations. Euro 2020 saw them fall at the last-16 on penalties to Spain.
There's a temptation to assume Croatia's recent success in the World Cup and Nations League is down to Luka Modric. At 38 he remains the kingpin in Croatia's midfield and he's showing no signs of slowing down. Yet this team is packed with quality.
Dominik Livakovic is an experienced goalkeeper, playing behind defenders like Domagoj Vida and Borna Sosa. Manchester City's 22-year-old Josko Gvardiol is a major presence in the back line. Mateo Kovacic will likely have 100 caps by the time Euro 2024 starts, while Marcelo Brozovic and Mario Pasalic offer further experience alongside Modric.
The slight concern for Croatia heading into the summer is their lack of forward firepower. Hoffenheim's Andrej Kramaric averages a goal every three games for his country but the goals dry up soon after him.
Albania
Albania lost just one match throughout 2023 as ex-Brazil full-back Sylvinho led the country to only a second European Championships. They deservedly topped a qualifying group consisting of far better resourced teams in Czech Republic and Poland. They beat both nations to nil at home last autumn, before stumbling over the line with draws against Moldova and Faroe Islands.
2024 has been a little trickier for the boss. Sylvinho has overseen friendly losses to Chile and Sweden. Mood is still high in the camp, though, despite the near-impossible group situation that Albania face. They have never beaten Spain or Italy, and are yet to face Croatia.
The squad is dotted with players from the top-five European leagues, with a big focus on Serie A. Nedim Bajrami (Sassuolo), Ylber Ramadani (Lecce) and Kristjan Asllani (Inter) are all regulars in the midfield. Captain Berat Gjimshiti and vice captain Elseid Hysaj also play in Italy and will have the measure of the Azzurri forwards.
Goals could be tricky and Albania will need to rely on impact players to get anything from the group. Armando Broja hasn't exactly set the Premier League alight this season. Instead, Jasir Asani could be Albania's biggest goal threat.
Euro 2024 Group B Fixtures
Of the three Italy Euro 2024 fixtures, the easiest one is first up. Italy take on Albania on 15 June in what should be a routine match. Win that and they are well on course to escape Group B. Spain, meanwhile, face a much trickier start. They kick off their campaign against Croatia in Berlin and five days later must take on the Italians. This difficult double header will test De La Fuente's side. Get through it unscathed and they'll be in a good position to carry form into the rest of the tournament.
The big match is, of course, Spain vs Italy in Gelsenkirchen on the evening of 20 June. Whoever wins this should top Group B and face a third-place finisher in the last-16. Here are the six Euro 2024 Group B games coming up this summer:
Match 1
- 15 June – Spain vs Croatia | Olympiastadion, Berlin
- 15 June – Italy vs Albania | BVB Stadion, Dortmund
Match 2
- 19 June – Croatia vs Albania | Volksparkstadion, Hamburg
- 20 June – Spain vs Italy | Schalke Arena, Gelsenkirchen
Match 3
- 24 June – Albania vs Spain | Düsseldorf Arena, Düsseldorf
- 24 June – Croatia vs Italy | Leipzig Stadium, Leipzig
Best Players in Group B to Watch
Group B at Euro 2024 is stocked with talent. All eyes are on Spain's cohort of young stars who could have breakout tournaments this summer. Barcelona duo Yamal and Cubarsi are two teenage sensations pushing for first-team spots. The Euros are also perfectly set up for Williams to shine playing off the experienced centre-forward Morata. The man to watch, though, is Rodri. He anchors this Spain team as he does at Manchester City, and provides the stability required for others to flourish. Much like Sergio Busquets before him, Rodri goes about his business in a no-nonsense-like manner that frustrates opposition sides.
Italy don't have one outstanding player in their ranks but there are a few who could step up and drive the team deep into the tournament. Federico Chiesa isn't a regular goalscorer but has the experience to cause mayhem in the box, while Jorginho will seek to command the midfield. Italy's standout performer could be unearthed at the back. Alessandro Buongiorno and 20-year-old Giorgio Scalvini don't have much experience but can handle the job of operating a three-man defence. Either of these two could become the standout man for the Azzurri.
Modric naturally draws the cameras in this Croatia side but it's Gvardiol, at 22, who could be their key man. The defender should have 30 caps by the start of Euro 2024 and has featured heavily for City since the spring. His presence will be key in Croatia shutting out Italy and Spain.
As for Albania, it's natural to look at Broja – a Chelsea youngster on loan at Fulham – as their man to watch. However, Sokol Cikalleshi is still the man at 33 to lead this team from the front. If he can convert the rare chances Albania get then perhaps they can pinch a point or two in this group.
Euro 2024 Group B Tips
Group B at Euro 2024 is certainly an interesting one. Three teams can viably top the pool and all are priced shorter than 7/1 to make the semis. Here are three Euro 2024 betting tips to consider:
Croatia to finish in the top two
The Euro 2024 Group B odds suggest Spain will top the pile, with Italy second. That's understandable but Croatia cannot be discounted here. They are a fairly solid team unit and have upset the odds on multiple occasions over the past two World Cups. It seems unlikely at 9/2 that Croatia will top this group. That would likely require four points from their games against Spain and Italy. However, finishing in the top two at 8/11 isn't a bad shout.
After all, they've matched up well with Spain in recent years and haven't lost to Italy since 1942. Indeed, it is that record over the Italians that makes their showdown on 24 June, which could decide who progresses. Considering Croatia's squad consistency and Italy still finding themselves, it's fair to claim they deserve to be favourites for that encounter.
Spain to win Euro 2024
Spain's squad is one of the best mixes of experience and youthful excitement of all teams in this tournament. That makes them a real threat if they can maintain their good competitive form, which saw them walk the qualifying campaign. Croatia are a tricky hurdle in their opening match but Spain have developed further since beating Modric and co. on penalties in the Nations League finals last summer. A draw wouldn't suffice because that adds a lot of pressure on the next game, against Italy. However, it wouldn't be a disaster either.
If we assume Spain will beat Albania in their final game then four points from the first two will be enough to qualify, and likely in first position.
From there, they can push out and target the trophy. Spain will be the most-feared team in the tournament if they top such a tricky group. The stars could swiftly align and their odds of 8/1 to win the whole thing will plummet.
Italy to finish bottom
It's a big claim and the odds currently sit at 18/1 but Italy bombing from this group is possible. Albania have a stack of players competing in Serie A and could be tricky opponents in their opening match. The expectation, of course, is that Italy at least reach the quarters. But there are always two or three high-ranking sides that fail in the group stage.
A lack of true firepower and a talented but inexperienced defence could harm Italy. If you're looking for an outside tip then the Azzurri finishing bottom of Group B certainly carries more weight than other outcomes at that price.
Euro 2024 Group B Top Scorer
None of Italy, Spain, Albania or Croatia have that obvious go-to goalscorer who they can rely on during the group stage. This is a group where midfield superiority will likely influence results more than raw firepower. It makes betting on the top scorer in Group B a little difficult.
There are some obvious candidates. Spain's Morata averages almost a goal every other game for his country and should lead the line. Spain's abundance of wide talent means Morata will get chances in the box. Chiesa could enjoy the same service in the Italy set-up but he is more likely to be the provider, not the finisher. Giacomo Raspadori, if selected, could be a reasonable outside shout here. Wilfried Gnonto, if selected, may also find the net more than once in the group.
The Croats also suffer from up-front paucity once you look past Kramaric. However, the 32-year-old is well placed to top score in this group precisely because there are few other big options across the squads.
With that in mind, it's unlikely an Albanian will threaten the top scorer charts in this group. Cikalleshin and Broja boast just 17 international goals between them. If you're scrambling for an outside tip here then Sivasspor striker Rey Manaj – formerly at Watford – could be Albania's best bet.
Euro 2024 Outside Bet: Group B
The one big outside bet in Group B is, of course, backing Albania to sneak into the last-16. Heading into the tournament it seems unlikely that they will finish first or second, while third may be a stretch too far. On top of that, only four of the six third-place finishers progress to the knockouts. Albania will probably need to win at least one match to achieve this.
Where is that win going to come from? Very possibly against Italy in the opening match. They're 8.65 to pinch three points off the Azzurri. A better wager, though, is to back Albania on the Double Chance to win or draw against Italy. That would keep them in the group and with a fighting chance of a decent third-place finish. It's also a viable bet at 3.00 as above when you consider how flighty Italy are right now.
