Spain set to battle Italy for last 16 place

Gelsenkirchen plays host to one of the most-highly anticipated clashes of the group stage later as the winners of three of the last four Euros go head-to-head. Spain's mix of precocious youth and experience shone in a dazzling 3-0 win over World Cup semi-finalists Croatia to get their campaign off to a flying start.
Italy had to fight back after conceding the fastest goal in the competition's history to beat Albania 2-1. Victory for either side will guarantee progress to the knockout stages as group winners and avoid the possibility of facing England in the quarter-finals. The countries have met in each of the last four Euros - Italy emerging victorious in the last two after Spain won on their route to glory at Euro 2008 and 2012.
"The players will understand when they get to my age that they'll want to have stories to tell," said Italy coach Luciano Spalletti. "This is one of those matches that gives them the chance to create that story." Spain's more direct style was notable in their victory over Croatia as La Roja won comfortably despite having less possession than their opponents for the first time in 136 competitive matches dating back 16 years.
"It's almost like we're looking in a mirror actually," said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente of the sides' similar styles. "We are a growing, developing team which is working on cohesion and consistency and so are they. I think it will be a very high quality match."
France take on the Netherlands in one of the other marquee games of the group stage on Friday. Kylian Mbappe's participation in that match in Leipzig remains uncertain after the France captain broke his nose in Les Bleus' opening 1-0 win over Austria.
However, Didier Deschamps is hopeful of having Real Madrid's new signing available after Mbappe trained in a mask inspired by the colours of the French flag on Thursday. "Things are progressing in the right direction enough for us to try to have him available tomorrow," said Deschamps.