Euro 2024: Group B – preview, offers and predictions

Spain, Italy, Croatia and Albania will battle it out in Group B at Euro 2024.

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Euro 2024 promises to be a tournament full of surprises and Group B is perhaps the hardest to predict. Spain, Croatia, defending champions Italy and Albania will compete against each other in Germany and it really is anyone’s game.

Italy come into the tournament aiming to defend their crown having missed out on qualification for the World Cup in 2022 but they possess a renewed energy under Luciano Spalletti.

Spain’s youthful setup has made them a fantastic watch under Luis de la Fuente and they sit as slight favourites against the rest of their opponents.

Croatia will rely on experience to help them progress. The likes of Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic will be crucial for the 2018 World Cup finalists.

Albania are certainly underdogs but there have been plenty of upsets in the past and you can never say never at a major international tournament.

One thing is for certain, there are some mouthwatering matchups on the cards between three of the top-ranked nations in the world.

Later in this article, we will identify a few good value bets but if you need to open an account, you can find the best promotional offers on the market.

 

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How to claim your free Euro 2024 bets

Claiming your free bets ahead of the tournament has never been easier! Simply follow the steps listed below, and free bets will be yours!

  1. Click the link to be taken to the sign-up page of your preferred betting site.
  2. Fill in your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, email address, etc.
  3. Create a unique username and password combination that you will be sure to remember!
  4. Make your minimum deposit. This will differ from site to site, so make sure to check the T&Cs.
  5. Place your qualifying bet. This will differ from site to site, so make sure to check the T&Cs.
  6. Wait for your bet to settle.
  7. Your free bets will be deposited into your account.
  8. Enjoy!

Predictions, Bets, Odds

The odds listed below were provided by bet365 and were correct at the time of publication. However, they are subject to change.

Italy not to qualify @ 5/1 with bet365

Croatia to win the group @ 9/2 with bet365

Spain not to qualify @ 7/1 with bet365

Anything could happen in Group B but the bookies have managed to separate the four teams, albeit by some very small margins.

Spain are priced at favourites to win with bet365 at 4/5, with the odds sitting at a massive 7/1 for De La Fuente’s to exit at the first hurdle.

They do have some interesting history against both Croatia and Italy, with Spain beating the former in the Nations League final last year.

Croatia are predicted to have a better opening round than Italy, with the European champions 2/1 to win Group B and 5/1 not to qualify.

Zlatko Dalic’s side have proved at the previous two tournaments that they are a force to be reckoned with an backing them to win the group is at an enticing 9/2.

While it is unlikely that Albania progress, their odds may make a flutter on the underdogs tempting.

At 3/1 to qualify and 25/1 to win the group, they are odds worth considering due to the unpredictability of these events.

Group Preview

Spain are favourites in Group B for a reason and it would come as a shock if they do not win most if not all of their matches.

Their recent form suggests they are a side to be reckoned with at Euro 2024, losing just one of their last 11.

Second place is where things really get interesting.

Italy and Croatia will both fancy themselves to grab the other qualification spot but it is difficult to place one ahead of the other.

Croatia’s form has not been the best. It took penalties to beat Tunisia back in March and there were narrow wins against Latvia and Armenia in the final round of qualifiers.

But before that, they lost to both Turkey and Wales.

Their last meeting against Italy came in 2015 and ended in a 1-1 draw.

In fact, each of the last three meetings have been draws and Croatia have only ever lost once against the Azzurri, back in 1942.

Italy’s strong squad is also catching the eye. They have been playing some great football under Spalletti but have faltered against bigger opponents, losing to Spain and England in the last 12 months.

You get the feeling that if either of these two teams lose to Albania, it could be what costs them a place in the knockout stages.

But if we had to pick one for now, Italy would get the nod over Croatia.

Group B fixtures

June 15: Spain vs Croatia (5pm, Olympiastadion)
June 15: Italy vs Albania (8pm, BVB Stadion Dortmund)
June 19: Croatia vs Albania (2pm, Volksparkstadion)
June 20: Spain vs Italy (8pm, Arena AufSchalke)
June 24: Croatia vs Italy (8pm, Dusseldorf Arena)
June 24: Albania vs Spain (8pm, Leipzig Stadium)

What To Do If You Have A Gambling Problem

We understand that gambling can be fun, but it is always important to gamble responsibly. If you are struggling with a gambling problem, please do not hesitate to ask for help. There are people who can help you get on the road to recovery. Below, we have listed some helpful resources to help aid you on the road to recovery.

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Picture of Mitch Fretton

Mitch Fretton

Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football.

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