Italy
After a perfect qualifying campaign in which they won all their ten matches, Italy were unbeaten in seven games at the tournament proper, as they powered to lift Euro 2020 in style.
The defending champions had it rough making it to Germany 2024, however, managing only four wins in eight games.
But as four-time world champions and two-time continental kings, Italy are never to be underrated.
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There is no standout performer in coach Luciano Spalletti’s squad but the former Napoli gaffer is a master at making the whole deliver more than the sum of the individual parts. This makes Italy a dangerous opponent for anyone at the Euros.
Only twice in 11 previous appearances have they failed to make it past the group stage at the Euros and with three potential qualifiers from each group, Gli Azzurri have a clear path to the knockout stage.
Key player – Gianluigi Donnarumma
Spain
One of the most successful teams in the history of the European Championships, Spain boast three winners’ medals and one runner-up ribbon – a tally bettered only by Germany.
However, the golden generation that won the Euros back to back in 2008 and 2012 are long gone except for veteran Jesus Navas.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente will look to build another title-winning team around captain and star striker Álvaro Morata, taking inspiration from that semifinal finish in the last edition.
Barcelona youngsters Lamine Yamal and Pedri will hope to bring the X-factor to La Roja but Spain’s inexperience may be punished at a tournament where only the best stands out.
Key player – Álvaro Morata
Croatia
Despite only making their first appearance at a major tournament in 1996, Croatia have reached the final of the World Cup and the Nations League and made the quarterfinals of the European Championship twice.
This is, however, the last chance for veterans Ivan Perišić, Domagoj Vida, and captain Luka Modrić to lift a major silverware before they call time on their international careers.
On their day, Croatia are a match for any team, and over the past 24 months, Kockasti have beaten France, Portugal, England, and the Netherlands, and sent Brazil out of the World Cup to remind everyone of that fact.
Still, the Euros have proven to be a more difficult terrain to navigate for the Croats. The Vatreni have crashed out of the group stage at two editions and exited the tournament at the Round of 16 in their most recent two appearances.
This could, however, be the year Croatia wrote a beautiful Euros story to match their legendary World Cup tales.
Key player – Luka Modrić
Albania
Albania may argue that they are not the least talented squad in Germany but they must be the one with the worst luck after finding themselves in a group with two former world champions and a runners-up.
The Kuqezinjtë are making only their second appearance at the Euros and they will aim to perform better than their 2016 outing where they won only one game before exiting at the Group stage.
Under head coach Sylvinho, Albania will look to stay compact, fight for each other, and be hard to beat while hoping young forwards Fulham’s Armando Broja and Lecce’s Medon Berisha make an instant impact in attack.
Key player – Armando Broja
Likely Group B winners: Croatia and Italy
Likely third-place qualifier: Spain
