Holders to Battle Through: Predictions for Euro 2024 Group B

- Italy have won five of their last seven matches
- Albania are unbeaten in their last eight matches
- Pick: Italy to win Group B

Group B looks set to be one of the most competitive at this year's European Championship, as it features not only holders Italy but also World Cup semi-finalists Croatia.

However, the betting in this section will be led by Spain, who will be looking to bounce back from an underwhelming World Cup and nurture the next generation after their golden era that saw them lift the trophy in 2008 and 2012.

Rounding out the quartet are Albania, a hard-working side who topped their qualifying group and will not be the easy opponents they may have been in the past.

Spain (4/5 to win Group B): La Roja could be slight group favorites

Spain, who lost on penalties to eventual winners Italy in the semi-finals of Euro 2020, will face the Azzurri again - this time in the group stage - and the quality of Group B means they could be slightly undervalued to take the honors.

La Roja won the Nations League last season, but their World Cup campaign was a disappointment despite starting with a 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica.

Coach Luis de la Fuente, who replaced Luis Enrique after a penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the Round of 16, came up through the Spanish youth ranks and may be without influential midfielders Pedri and Gavi.

Manchester City's Rodri has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe, but they lost their first qualifier 2-0 to Scotland before getting their act together, so they may be hard to rely on.

Captain and striker Alvaro Morata has always needed plenty of chances to score, and there may be better value elsewhere in Group B.

Italy (2/1 to win Group B): Holders equipped to go all the way

Holders Italy are led by Luciano Spalletti, who took over from Roberto Mancini last year, and while expectations may be low for the champions, they could more than make their mark.

The Azzurri finished second to England in Group C after losing both games to the Three Lions, but Spalletti still has a well-rounded squad despite the absence of some of the experience that helped them to glory three years ago.

They have plenty of attacking options and a world-class goalkeeper in Gianluigi Donnarumma, and the fixture computer may have been kind to them with their first game against unfancied Albania.

They definitely look capable of winning the section.

Croatia (9/2 to win Group B): Old guard still key to challenge

Croatia still rely on their ageing stars, with Luka Modric still the heartbeat of the side

Croatia still rely on their aging stars, with Luka Modric still the heartbeat of the team

Croatia, who reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup but have never made much of an impression at the Euros, will once again rely on familiar faces to help them through a tough group.

Luka Modric remains the star of the show, but the concern over Ivan Perisic's injury after an underwhelming spell at Tottenham shows how much they still rely on the experienced members of their squad.

Josko Gvardiol has impressed for Manchester City, but Croatia finished second in their qualifying group to Turkey, lost at home to the section leaders and also lost 2-1 to Wales in Cardiff, so they could have a real battle on their hands.

Albania (11/4 to qualify): Underdogs not just making up the numbers

Albania are unlucky to be in such a tough group in only their second major tournament, but they could still give the more fancied trio a run for their money.

They deserve to be there after winning their group, and the lack of expectations surrounding this well-organized and disciplined team could help them do well.

They are the second-lowest ranked team in the competition, but they are unbeaten in their last eight competitive matches.

The squad should have a strong Serie A presence, including playmaker Kristjan Asllani, who just won the title with Inter, so they are no slouches, although qualifying from this group will be tough.

The Verdict
Spain are favorites to win what has been dubbed the Group of Death at Euro 2024, and their price looks short enough with pre-tournament injury concerns and an inexperienced coach.

Croatia's old guard can't last forever and Albania could act as a spoiler, so the value to win the group seems to lie with Italy, who are defending champions and have the all-round ability to top the section.

Predictions
Italy to win Group B - 2/1
Prediction - Italy 1st, Spain 2nd - 10/3