Group B at Euro 2024 is set to be one of the most exciting and challenging groups in the tournament. It consists of two former champions, Spain and Italy, as well as World Cup semi-finalists Croatia and underdogs Albania. Here is a guide to the group, including fixtures, squads, and star players to watch.
Spain, with their star-studded lineup, are considered the favorites to progress from Group B. Their squad includes talented players such as Dani Olmo, who is a versatile forward known for his movement, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability. Spain’s midfield is also impressive, with the likes of Rodri and Pedri bringing quality to the team.
Italy, on the other hand, are still building a new identity after a period of struggle since their Euro 2020 triumph. One player to watch in their squad is Alessandro Bastoni, a central defender who has become an important member of the national team. Bastoni’s physicality, experience, and combative nature will be crucial for Italy’s defensive solidity.
Croatia, although they have yet to shine at the Euros, have shown their ability to get results on the world stage. Their midfield maestro, Luka Modric, will be a key player for them. Despite being the oldest player in the group, Modric’s skill, vision, and experience make him a difference-maker for Croatia.
Albania, appearing in a national tournament for only the second time, will face an uphill battle in this tough group. However, if they are to have any hope of progressing, they will heavily rely on the goal-scoring prowess of Rey Manaj. Manaj, who had a successful domestic campaign with Sivasspor, will be the main source of goals for Albania.
Group B fixtures:
– Italy vs Albania
– Spain vs Croatia
– Italy vs Spain
– Croatia vs Albania
– Croatia vs Italy
– Albania vs Spain
Group B promises to be an exciting and competitive group at Euro 2024. Spain and Italy are favorites to progress, but Croatia and Albania will be looking to cause upsets. Keep an eye on star players like Dani Olmo, Alessandro Bastoni, Luka Modric, and Rey Manaj, who have the potential to make a significant impact in the group.
Here is the squad list for all the teams in Group B:
Spain:
In Spain’s team, the goalkeepers are Alex Remiro, David Raya, and Unai Simon. The defenders include Aymeric Laporte, Robin Le Normand, Alex Grimaldo, Dani Carvajal, Dani Vivian, Jesus Navas, Nacho, and Marc Cucurella. The midfielders are Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena, Martin Zubimendi, Rodri, Pedri, and Fermin Lopez. The forwards consist of Alvaro Morata, Dani Olmo, Joselu, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ayoze Perez, Ferran Torres, and Nico Williams.
Italy:
Italy has Gigi Donnarumma, Guglielmo Vicario, and Alex Meret as their goalkeepers. The defenders are Alessandro Bastoni, Matteo Darmian, Alessandro Buongiorno, Gianluca Mancini, Riccardo Calafiori, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Raoul Bellanova, Federico Dimarco, Andrea Cambiaso, and Federico Gatti. The midfielders include Nicolo Barella, Davide Frattesi, Bryan Cristante, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Nicolo Fagioli, Jorginho, and Michael Folorunsho. The forwards consist of Federico Chiesa, Giacomo Raspadori, Mateo Retegui, Gianluca Scamacca, Mattia Zaccagni, and Stephan El Shaarawy.
Croatia:
Croatia’s goalkeepers are Dominik Livakovic, Ivica Ivusic, and Nediljko Labrovic. The defenders include Domagoj Vida, Josip Juranovic, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa, Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo, Martin Erlic, and Marin Pongracic. The midfielders are Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Luka Ivanusec, Luka Sucic, and Martin Baturina. The forwards consist of Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Bruno Petkovic, Marko Pjaca, Ante Budimir, and Marco Pasalic.
Albania:
Albania’s goalkeepers are Etrit Berisha, Thomas Strakosha, and Elhan Kastrati. The defenders include Ivan Balliu, Mario Mitaj, Elseid Hysaj, Arlind Ajeti, Berat Djimsiti, Enea Mihaj, Ardian Ismajli, Marash Kumbulla, and Naser Aliji. The midfielders are Medon Berisha, Klaus Gjasula, Nedim Bajrami, Qazim Laci, Ernest Muci, Ylber Ramadani, Kristjan Asllani, and Amir Abrashi. The forwards consist of Jasir Asani, Rey Manaj, Taulant Seferi, Armando Broja, Mirlind Daku, and Arber Hoxha.
Star players to watch our for in each teams.
Spain: Dani Olmo
Dani Olmo is one of the truly exceptional players in Spain’s group. Despite the squad lacking the star power of previous years, Olmo stands out due to his versatility, technical ability, and goal-scoring instincts. His contributions will be crucial for Spain’s success in the tournament, particularly since they require a reliable presence in the final third, even with the strong midfield duo of Rodri and Pedri.
Italy: Alessandro Bastoni
Alessandro Bastoni will play a pivotal role in Italy’s defense. Already an important member of the squad, Bastoni’s significance has increased due to injuries to other defenders. With Giorgio Scalvini sidelined, Bastoni is the key figure, combining physical prowess with international experience and peak performance, recently winning another title with Inter. Italy will heavily rely on his consistency, combative nature, and defensive skills.
Croatia: Luka Modric
Luka Modric is undoubtedly the standout player for Croatia. Despite being the oldest player in the group, Modric remains one of the best performers. While he may not be able to play the full 90 minutes in every group game, his presence will be crucial for Croatia’s progression into the knockout stages. Modric’s limited game time with Real Madrid this season could work in his favor, allowing him to bring his expertise and leadership to the national team, as he approaches the milestone of 180 caps for Croatia.
Albania: Rey Manaj
For Albania to have any chance of advancing from this challenging group, scoring goals is imperative. With the qualification scenarios based on goal difference and goals scored, Manaj’s goal-scoring prowess becomes essential. Among the 15 players in the squad who have international goals, Manaj holds the highest tally of seven. Additionally, his impressive domestic campaign with Sivasspor, netting 18 goals, further highlights his ability to win free-kicks, shoot from anywhere, and act as a physical force when needed.
