Euro 2024 Spain v Italy - how would the wines line up?

Will Barolo captain their side to an Italian victory?

A short, fun post ahead of the Euro 2024 football match between Italy and Spain on Thursday night. Here’s how the teams would line up based on the pick of the wines from both countries:

Subs bench:
Spain Pedro Ximenez, Mencia, Bobal, Palo Cortado
Italy Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Nerello Mascalese, Pinot Grigio, Primitivo di Manduria

Based on this line-up I’d go for a narrow Italian victory. That midfield looks pretty awesome, and the underrated Vin Santo has the flair to trouble that Spanish defence.

On the other hand, Rioja Gran Reserva, playing in the Rodri role, can potentially be a match for anybody, and Old-Vine Garnacha is an emerging attacker on the world stage. Add to that the strength of Oloroso and Manzanilla, both from Andalusia, and you potentially have a formidable strike force.

Both countries have impressive depth and quality - a close contest looks sure to ensue.