Spain seemed to be the favorite before the Euros, but since Italy had their win against Spain, who would be the favorites now?
I don't know. One game really shouldn't have an effect on who is the favorite and who isn't. That being said, I'm not sure we weren't better than Spain even BEFORE the Euros. I think the teams will split the points against one another and it'll come down to how each of them does against the other teams in the group.
Spain for now, but I think if Ventura does hold true to his word and uses the youth, it could be a completely different story.
Well here is the thing. I honestly think we are the best team in this group, but the fact is Spain usually thrashes the smaller teams by more goals. So if we want to win this group we will have to at least beat Spain in one of the games and tie Spain in the other. Also Italy First Team > Spain First Team, but Spain has a ridiculous amount of talent on the bench that Italy does not have.
I agree, we always get screwed with injuries though, seems like it's been a curse since 2006, thanks Nesta and Vieri!
Mostly but Italy has a better defense though. By now the midfield is comparable, and Italy could arguably be better in midfield over time. Iniesta and Alonso are aging and losing a bit, while Verratti is growing. Marchisio is at his prime at the moment although he is aging as well but I think he still has a few good years. I think De Rossi is superior to Busquets. Then there are the young players like Koke vs Benassi, and a lot more. Both Spain and Italy have promising players in attack. Nolito, Morata, Silva, Diego Costa vs Belotti, Berardi, Bernardeschi, Insigne, etc.
That's what happened in the World Cup 2014 Qualifying group Israel was in. Russia and Portugal each won their home game against the other one. Russia beat Israel twice and Portugal drew with Israel twice, including when Portugal hosting Israel in their second-to-last game. That let Russia win the group by 1 point, and Portugal qualified by winning a playoff against Sweden.