Euro 2024: Fabian Ruiz ready to play starring role again for Spain against holders Italy

Coach Luis de la Fuente is hoping for more of the same from his Paris Saint-Germain playmaker, who was outstanding in the win against Croatia

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Midfielder Ruiz (left) set up the opener and scored himself as he outshone all those around him, including Croatia captain Luka Modric (right). Photo: AFP

Published: 10:00pm, 19 Jun 2024Updated: 2:53am, 20 Jun 2024

Spain are hoping the “exceptional” Fabian Ruiz can again be the difference-maker when they look to build on an impressive win against Croatia in their second Euro 2024 outing against Italy on Thursday.

The meeting between the reigning European champions and the three-time winners of the competition in Gelsenkirchen is the stand-out tie of the opening round at the tournament.

Top spot in Group B, and a theoretically easier last-16 draw, is at stake as the two sides aim to build on victories in their opening matches.

Italy came from behind to beat Albania, while Ruiz was outstanding as Spain thumped 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Croatia 3-0.

Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Ruiz, 28, set up the opener for Alvaro Morata and scored himself with a classy finish as he outshone all those around him, including Croatia captain Luka Modric.

Ruiz (No 8) scores against Croatia in Berlin in his team’s 3-0 win in their opening Group B game. Photo: Xinhua

That game confirmed the importance to Luis de la Fuente’s Spain team of a player who was not taken to the last World Cup by former coach Luis Enrique.