Spain and Italy are set to showcase their footballing prowess as they gear up for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals against the Netherlands and Germany, respectively. Coach Luis de la Fuente has named seven FC Barcelona players to his squad for Spain, emphasizing the strength and depth available for these pivotal matches.
David Raya, the Arsenal goalkeeper, retains his place amid fierce competition, having started five of Spain's last six matches. Although he was on the bench during Spain's thrilling 3-2 victory over Switzerland, his experience is expected to play a key role against the Netherlands. Raya will be joined by Unai Simón and Álex Remiro as other goalkeeping options, providing Spanish fans with ample talent between the posts.
Mikel Merino, who has amassed 31 caps for Spain, remains integral to de la Fuente's midfield strategy. Despite PSG's Fabián Ruiz often being prioritized for the starting lineup, Merino's versatility and skill set make him a valuable asset on the pitch. Spain and the Netherlands will clash for their two-legged tie, commencing on March 20 at Rotterdam's stadium, followed by the return match on March 23 at Valencia.
Italy, under the helm of Luciano Spalletti, has also brought exciting talent to the fore as they prepare to take on Germany. Among the notable inclusions is Riccardo Calafiori, who is set to reinforce the defense during the quarter-final fixture. The first leg will be held on March 21 at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, followed by the second leg on March 24, 2025, at Dortmund.
Italy's recent form shows promise, with three wins, one draw, and one loss across their last five outings. Conversely, the Azzurri faced some setbacks, including their latest match—a 3-1 defeat against France—forcing them to address tactical shortcomings before facing the German squad. Despite this, Spalletti's squad of 25 players reflects not only experienced veterans but also fresh talent eager to make their mark.
Meanwhile, Germany approaches their quarter-final with confidence. They maintain an unbeaten record across their last five matches, which consists of three wins and two draws. Their latest outing culminated in a 1-1 draw against Hungary. With coach Julian Nagelsmann at the helm, the 23-player squad shows depth, but they are hampered by injuries to key players like Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, and Niclas Füllkrug, leaving the team with something of a challenge.
Interestingly, Inter Milan defender Yann Aurel Bisseck will earn his first senior national team call-up, bringing additional interest to the match, particularly since he is familiar with the Milan venue. Historically, Italy has enjoyed the upper hand against Germany with 15 wins to Germany's 10 over 37 encounters, and they remain unbeaten against Germany within World Cup contexts, showcasing three wins and two draws to date.
Fans eagerly awaiting the matches can catch live broadcasts, with the Italy-Germany encounter particularly set for 15:45 ET. This high-stakes competition promises fervent action as both teams strive for victory, with analysts predicting closely contested matches. Expectations for the quarter-final between Italy and Germany suggest potential for both teams to score, perhaps landing on a draw akin to 2-2, encapsulating both teams' offensive capabilities.
On the Spanish front, the roster surprises have stirred excitement, especially Gavi's omission, which highlights the stiff competition among top-tier talent. Spanish forwards such as Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal are anticipated to make significant impacts, bolstering the squad's attacking force. 20-year-old Samuel Omorodion is another forward who, having already netted 14 goals this season with Porto, could feature prominently based on form and fitness.
The looming quarter-final clash offers more than just knockout football; it’s also about gauging each nation's potential leading toward the 2026 World Cup. Coaches de la Fuente and Spalletti seek to cement cohesion and reform structures, asserting both of their sides as serious contenders not just for the Nations League but for future global competitions.
Overall, both Spain and Italy are poised at thrilling moments of their footballing journeys, with fans and pundits alike speculating on their progression through the quarter-finals. This is what makes the Nations League uniquely engaging—a platform displaying not only the current talents but also hinting at who the stars of tomorrow may be.