First XI

With Spain's next match approaching, the discussion naturally shifted:

Would Izan start against Italy?

Most analysts believed de la Fuente would keep his lineup unchanged. After all, why fix what wasn't broken?

But others argued that Italy would demand something different. A tougher midfield battle, a game that might require Izan's creativity to break through.

Luis de la Fuente had kept one of his biggest weapons in reserve.

The only question now was when he would decide to use it.

....

The euphoria of the Croatia win had barely settled when Spain's players found themselves back in their training kits, stepping onto the lush training grounds in the heart of Germany. 

The morning air was crisp, the sky a soft gray, and the distant hum of media crews setting up for the open portion of training served as a reminder—Euro 2024 wasn't stopping for anyone.