Euro 2024: Heavyweight rivals Italy and Spain meet for the fifth European Championship in a row

Dusseldorf— Defending champion Italy plays Spain on Thursday in one of the most anticipated games at Euro 2024. Spain leads Group B ahead of Italy on goal difference after both teams won their opening games. Croatia and Albania are the other teams in the group. Kickoff is at 9 p.m. local (1900 GMT) in Gelsenkirchen. Here’s what to know about the match:

Match facts
— Italy survived a scare against Albania when Nedim Bajrami scored after 23 seconds – the fastest goal in Euros history. A 2-1 come from behind win avoided embarrassment for Luciano Spalletti’s team.

— There were no such concerns for Spain after a dominant 3-0 win against World Cup semifinalist Croatia.

— Italy beat Spain on penalties in the semifinals of the last Euros after a 1-1 draw through extra time at Wembley Stadium. The team, then coached by Roberto Mancini, also needed penalties to beat England in the final.

— Build up to the last game in Gelsenkirchen – Serbia vs. England – had been overshadowed by concerns about fan violence. Eight people were temporarily detained following a brawl between fans. There has been less focus on potential security issues ahead of this game.