Euro 2016: Predictions for all round-of-16 matches

Italy vs Spain

Spain were surprisingly beaten by Croatia in the group

This fixture is undoubtedly the star attraction or the main event of the Round of 16. It’s two top teams facing off against each other.

Italy started off strong and made everyone sit up and take notice, however its fair to say their form has since declined. As always Italy have a solid defence, but they don’t really have as much to offer in attack.

Spain, on the other hand, seem to have put their 2014 World Cup debacle, where they failed to advance past the group stage, beyond them. More importantly, though Spain seem to have regained their passing and creativity in attack that made them the 2-time defending champions of this tournament.

The defeat against Croatia, where Spain let their guard down after taking the lead, came as a timely lesson for Spain, and no doubt Spain will have learned from that.

Prediction – This is really a contest between Italy’s defense and Spain’s attack.

Victory for Spain. Most likely scoreline, 2-1 for Spain.