Italy’s Road to the Quarter-FinalsLuciano Spalletti’s squad has made significant strides since their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, where they bowed out in the Round of 16 after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland. Their group-stage performances were underwhelming, as they narrowly defeated Albania 2-1, drew 1-1 with Croatia, and suffered a 1-0 defeat to eventual champions Spain.

The Netherlands and Spain last faced off in November 2020, playing to a 1-1 draw. Sergio Canales opened the scoring for Spain in the first half, but Donny van de Beek equalized after the break.Over the years, these two nations have had some unforgettable clashes. Their most famous meeting came in the 2010 World Cup final, where Spain triumphed 1-0 in extra time thanks to Andrés Iniesta’s iconic goal. However, the Dutch got their revenge in 2014, humiliating Spain 5-1 in the World Cup group stage under Louis van Gaal. Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben both netted twice, with Stefan de Vrij also getting on the scoresheet.

Greece and Scotland have not faced each other since the Euro 1996 qualifiers. Their last meeting was in August 1995 at Hampden Park, where Ally McCoist netted the only goal in a 1-0 victory for Scotland.Greece narrowly missed out on a place at Euro 2024, suffering a heartbreaking 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to Georgia in the final play-off round after a goalless draw. This was a major disappointment, considering they finished third in Group B behind France and the Netherlands, but well ahead of the Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar.

The last encounter between these two teams took place in the Nations League in June 2022, when Croatia stunned France with a 1-0 victory on French soil. Luka Modrić converted a fifth-minute penalty to secure the win.However, the most memorable clash between the two nations came in the 2018 World Cup final in Russia. France emerged victorious with a 4-2 triumph, courtesy of a Mario Mandžukić own goal, an Antoine Griezmann penalty, and strikes from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé.

The last meeting between these two teams dates back to 2015, when Portugal narrowly secured a 1-0 victory over Denmark. João Moutinho netted the decisive goal in the 66th minute.Denmark will be eager to make a strong impression after a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign. They were eliminated in the Round of 16 by hosts Germany following an underwhelming Group C performance, where they recorded three consecutive draws against Slovenia, England, and Serbia.

Liverpool’s Struggles After Champions League HeartbreakLiverpool enter this League Cup final reeling from a painful defeat in the Champions League. The Reds faced PSG in a thrilling second-leg encounter that went into extra time and eventually ended in a penalty shootout loss. While their performance was commendable, the sting of the result will be sharp, especially given the hope they had of securing a 7th Champions League title, considering their dominant form in the Premier League this season.

Leicester City's Struggles ContinueLeicester City find themselves in deep trouble, sitting 19th in the Premier League with just 17 points from 28 matches. Their return to the top flight has been nothing short of disastrous, as they have failed to mount a credible survival challenge.

Fulham’s Season So FarFulham have enjoyed a strong campaign under Marco Silva, continuing their steady improvement each season. Currently sitting 10th in the Premier League after 28 matches, the Cottagers remain in contention for European qualification, trailing Brighton & Hove Albion—the team occupying the final European spot—by just four points.

Arsenal’s Season So FarArsenal currently sit 2nd in the Premier League with 55 points from 28 matches. However, their campaign has fallen short of expectations. After coming close to the title in recent years, Mikel Arteta’s side now trails league leaders Liverpool by 15 points with only ten games remaining.

Bournemouth’s Champions League AspirationsBournemouth currently sit 9th in the Premier League with 44 points from 28 games. The Cherries are enjoying a standout season and remain in contention for a potential Champions League spot. With just three points separating them from 5th-placed Manchester City, and the league likely to secure five Champions League places, Bournemouth are firmly in the mix.