Spain made only one change to their line-up for their second group game in Euro 2024 against Italy. Many thought it was a preference, but it turns out that like with the first game, it was a fitness issue.
Nacho Fernandez he played well against Croatia last Saturday, and was in line to start again, but after recovering himself from a muscle injury, Aymeric Laporte returned to the starting line. The RFEF confirmed (via AS Diary) that Nacho's absence was due to a muscle problem, although it is not thought to be a serious problem. The manager Luis de la Fuente preferred not to run the risk.
It's not a big problem for de la Fuente or Spain – Laporte was very much the first choice for La Roja going into the tournament, although Nacho won't mind giving up his starting role. The pair will fight for a place in the team in the knock-out phase in all likelihood.
