Group B at Euro 2024 features countries that have won three of the last four European Championship tournaments, including the reigning title holders Italy. It also has 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia, making this a potential Group of Death at this summer’s competition. Here’s a look at each team in Group B, the chances to advance and our predictions for how the group will play out. All odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Spain (-145 to win group, -1000 to qualify for knockout round)
After years of falling short on the biggest stage, Spain’s “golden generation” lifted two Euro titles as part of three championships in a row. The big names from those teams have been long gone, and it’s now up to this latest group to attempt to live up to that legacy. Spain were in the round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup, and made the semifinal round at the Euros in 2021 before losing to Italy in a penalty shootout. Alvaro Morata, Rodri and Jesus Navas come in as the most experienced members of the squad, but it’ll likely be players like Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres and David Raya who will determine how far Spain goes in this competition.
Italy (+225 to win group, -600 to qualify for knockout round)
The defending champions bring back a decent contingent from their triumph in the summer of 2021, although the back line will miss Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chellini while Ciro Immobile will not be starring as the primary scorer. However, Nicolo Barella, Federico Chiesa, Jorginho, Giovanni de Lorenzo and Gianluigi Donnarumma will all be back for the title defense. Lorenzo Pelligrini and Stephen El Sharaawy also bring good production to the side. Italy has not lost any of the four friendlies it has played in 2024, which is a good sign heading into Euro 2024.
Croatia (+450 to win group, -300 to qualify for knockout round)
Speaking of golden generations, this might be Croatia’s last chance to add some silverware to the trophy cabinet before a bit of a lull. Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic, Marcelo Brozovic, Domagoj Vida and Andrej Kramaric all carry more than 90 international caps, while goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and midfielder Nikola Vlasic are coming off strong showings at the 2022 World Cup. Croatia has consistently found its way to the knockout round of late, making the semifinals in the last two World Cups and seeing the round of 16 in the last two Euros. There’s plenty of experience and success with this group, which will be confident it can contend with Spain, Italy and the other continental powers.
Albania (+2200 to win group, +300 to qualify for knockout round)
It’s going to be easy for many to overlook Albania, especially with the other heavyweights in this group. And it’s unlikely Albania finds its way to the knockout round, especially with just four players in the squad who have at least 50 caps. Rey Manaj will be the name to watch in the final third along with Armando Broja, while goalkeeper Etrit Berisha is as solid as they come. Albania lost to Chile and Sweden in March but head into Euro 2024 with two wins in June. This group will have some confidence and also doesn’t have anything to lose, which can be a dangerous combination for bigger teams with expectations.