Familiar foes set for another European Championship clash

As foes go they don’t come much more familiar than Italy and Spain.

The footballing heavyweights clash for the fourth successive European Championship and you have to wonder if that rich history will play any part in Tuesday's semi-final.

The pair played out a 0-0 draw in Vienna at Euro 2008, before Spain went on to lift the trophy and begin their dominance of European football. There was another stalemate in the group stages at Euro 2012, but Italy then felt the full force of La Roja when losing 4-0 in the final as Spain landed back-to-back titles.

The Azzurri ended Spain’s attempt at a third straight title with a 2-0 win at the last-16 stage of Euro 2016 and now the European giants are ready to go again five years later.

In total the nations have met 37 times and there’s nothing to split them, with 11 victories each and 15 draws. The bookmakers have Tuesday's tussle a close affair too, with Italy at 4-5 to reach the final and Spain 11-10.

Perhaps the layers delved into their Sports Almanac when setting the semi-final prices.

Not got a William Hill account? Sign up and bet £10 to get £30 in free bets

Open a new account using Promo code H30 only, Min £10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply. T&Cs apply 18+ begambleaware.org

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Live blog, betting insight and in-play tips on every Euro 2020 match at www.freesupertips.com