Italy, Germany, Denmark, Portugal, Croatia, France, Spain and the Netherlands are vying for places in the last four
Italy vs Germany: Italy showed strong form in their Nations League group, securing four wins from their first five matches, including a 3-1 victory over France in Paris. However, they finished second after losing the return leg to France in Milan in November, missing out on top spot due to goal difference. Their quarter-final draw presents a tough challenge, as Italy has struggled against Germany, failing to win in their last six encounters. The last meeting in 2022 ended with Germany claiming a convincing 5-2 victory.
Italy will be without key wing-back Federico Dimarco, who sustained an injury during Inter’s game against Napoli earlier this month. Destiny Udogie may step in on the left, though Alessandro Bastoni could also be moved forward, with Alessandro Buongiorno joining the backline. Nicolò Barella and Giacomo Raspadori are competing for a spot alongside Mateo Retegui, who has been outstanding this season with 22 goals in 27 Serie A matches. Moise Kean, currently second in the Serie A scoring charts, is another potential option for Italy.
Germany dominated their group, winning all six matches and scoring 18 goals while conceding only four. However, they are facing some injury issues, with Kai Havertz and Florian Wirtz unavailable for Julian Nagelsmann. Leroy Sané and Deniz Undav are likely to start in their absence. Germany also faces a dilemma in goal, with Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel competing for the spot after Marc-André ter Stegen was ruled out for the season. Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah are options to partner Antonio Rüdiger at center-back.
Prediction: Germany to progress.
Denmark v Portugal: Denmark’s form faltered toward the end of their group stage, failing to win any of their last four matches and scraping into the quarter-finals. After swapping managers, Brian Riemer moved the team to a 4-3-3 formation. Denmark will be missing midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, a key figure in their midfield, and also have absences in Kasper Dolberg, Matt O’Riley, and Alexander Bah. However, Mika Biereth and Conrad Harder provide adequate cover, with Biereth in excellent form, having scored 11 goals in nine matches for Monaco.
Portugal, on the other hand, will welcome back Bruno Fernandes after a ban sidelined him for the final group match. Roberto Martínez is expected to include Fernandes alongside Vitinha and João Neves in midfield. Despite his advancing years, Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the attack.
Prediction: Portugal to progress.
Croatia v France: Croatia has struggled against France historically, winning just one of their 10 encounters. Their group stage performance was underwhelming, winning only two of six matches, and they enter this quarter-final on a three-match winless streak. They will be without midfielder Luka Sucic, and Ivan Perisic may be moved forward to support Andrej Kramaric, who could take the lead in attack.
In contrast, France manager Didier Deschamps has a wealth of midfield talent, with Eduardo Camavinga returning from suspension. With Aurélien Tchouaméni, Manu Koné, Mattéo Guendouzi, and Adrien Rabiot all available, France has strength in depth. Kylian Mbappé’s return bolsters their attack, and the likes of Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola further enhance their frontline. The only positive for Croatia is that they defeated France 1-0 the last time they met, in 2022, but Deschamps’ side will be favored.
Prediction: France to progress.
The Netherlands v Spain: The Netherlands finished second in their group and now face the defending champions, Spain, in a challenging quarter-final. The Oranje only won two of their six group games and were unable to overcome tough opposition. Manager Ronald Koeman will have to cope without the injured Denzel Dumfries and Nathan Aké, meaning Jurriën Timber and Jorrel Hato could feature. Jeremie Frimpong is another option to replace Dumfries at right-back.
Spain, despite some injury absences—most notably Marc Casadó and Iñigo Martínez—have been in sensational form, winning 14 of their last 15 games. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are expected to provide width, supporting Álvaro Morata in attack. Spain’s solid form and depth make them favorites to win, even without the presence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. The last competitive match between the two sides saw the Netherlands deliver a shocking 5-1 win in the 2014 World Cup, but Spain should progress this time.
Prediction: Spain to progress.
