The “group of death” at this year’s Euros is Group B with Italy, Spain, Croatia, and Albania. Italy and Spain combined have won 5 Euros and been to 8 finals. Croatia has been less impressive in the Euros, but has exceeded all expectations in the past two world cups with a second-place and third-place finish respectively. Albania on the other hand is playing in just its second ever major tournament. Congrats, but being drawn into this group is like getting your first paycheck and learning about taxes. Still got paid though Albanians.
Let’s start with the reigning champs, the Italians. For many, this will be their team of choice for the tournament. Every two years between the World Cup and the Euros the only places selling more Peroni than Rome are the cities filled with wannabe Italians up and down the East Coast from Leesburg, Virginia to Staten Island. Before we face the reality of this version of the Azzurri we must re-visit the excellent rendition of England’s “It’s Coming Home” from the last tournament after Italy beat the English on penalties in the final:
This is a new and unproven Italian team. Its strength is in the midfield where it can rely on Nicolo Barella and Jorginho to pull the strings. Watching the Italians play though is going to be similar to watching Daniel Day Lewis’s Lincoln. Nothing happens the whole time but you know someone dies at the end. Unfortunately, the Italians aren’t going to be able to score goals by relying on West Ham reject (although fantastically named) Gianluca Scamacca or Genoa’s Mateo Retegui. The Italians get out of the group but they might consider declining their invitation to the play. It doesn’t end well in the round of 16.
Next, we have another of European soccer’s royalty that boasts an unproven generation of players, the Spanish. Favorites to win this group at most books (all legitimate books), Spain are relying on an exciting young core of players including 16-year old Lamine Yamal. I know, he’s no Freddy Adu, but the Philadelphia Union only have so many roster spots. Spain are likely going to struggle like the Italians to score goals, but their play will be more exciting in the process. Nico Williams is a big reason for that and not only is the Basque product Spain’s most electric player, he has one of the best stories you’ll find. Plus he can do this:
Spain will win this group, and could win the whole thing if they can find enough goals. P.S. I can’t write the Spain preview and not mention Rodri. The best holding midfielder in the world has only lost one match in his last 75 appearances. Unfortunately, that was also his most recent.
Don’t forget the Croatians. Although, they’re all 90-years old so forgive them if they forget you. Luka Modric is deservedly still the first name on the team sheet (line-up) for Croatia, but after playing a reduced role at Real Madrid this past season there are valid concerns over whether he can lead Croatia on yet another underdog story. I have another familiar issue that I must point out, Croatia also don’t know who is going to score goals. The group of death might actually refer to all of us after having to watch these teams play each other.
This tournament might be a step too far for Croatia’s aging core. Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Marcelo Brozovic still form a solid midfield that will be tough to breakdown similar to stopping the old guy at the Y’s midrange jumper. But, unfortunately Croatia can’t leave after 45 minutes. Croatia qualify as a third-place team but it’s a swift exit after that.
Last and least, Albania. As college football tries to make the pay-for-play games extinct, it warms the heart to see Europeans keeping the tradition strong. There’s no better self-esteem boost than hanging 50 on New Mexico St. (unless you’re Auburn), and for three teams that are going to struggle to score goals playing Albania is just what they need. The Albanians though are led by Fulham-loanee Armando Broja who was Fulham’s best player this season if you get your news from Albanians commenting on Fulham’s social media. If you live in reality, you’d see Broja made 8 appearances and scored 0 goals. But, Albania should be ecstatic to be in this tournament and cash the check they deserve in honor of all the Sun Belt teams that have gone before them.
Prediction: 1) Spain 2) Italy 3) Croatia 4) Albania
Best Bet: Nico Williams Spain’s top goalscorer (+1200)
Georgia-ish 
Spot-on analysis of Group B! Great content!
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