Bonmati starts Spain clash with Italy at Euro 2025

Aitana Bonmati will start Spain's clash with Italy at Women's Euro 2025 on Friday after recovering from a bout of viral meningitis which briefly threatened her tournament.

Reigning two-time Ballon d'Or winner Bonmati starts in midfield alongside Patri Guijarro and Alexia Putellas, the first time this tournament the 27-year-old will be on the pitch from the first minute.

Her selection by coach Montse Tome is one of five changes from Spain's 6-2 win over Belgium last time out.

Bonmati has played as a substitute in both of Spain's thumping wins over Portugal and Belgium in Group B, which Tome's side lead ahead of Italy by two points.

Anything but a defeat in Bern will guarantee top spot for world champions Spain and a quarterfinal clash with Norway on Wednesday.

Spain are gunning for their first ever triumph in a women's European championship.