On Thursday, Spain clinched a spot in the Euro 2024 round of 16 with a 1-0 victory over Italy, courtesy of a second-half own goal by Riccardo Calafiori.
Spain secured their place in the round of 16 of Euro 2024 with a resounding victory over Italy, triumphing 1-0 in a commanding performance that confirmed their status as Group B winners. The decisive moment came nine minutes into the second half, when Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal proved to be the difference in a match held at Gelsenkirchen, which was touted as one of the tournament’s key clashes in Germany. Despite the narrow scoreline, Spain’s dominance was evident throughout the game, as they effectively neutralized Italy and could have comfortably sealed the win by halftime, reminiscent of their earlier thrashing of Croatia.
Nico Williams emerged as a standout for Spain, tormenting Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo on the right flank and ultimately providing the cross that led to Calafiori’s unfortunate own goal.
With a flawless record of six points atop their group, Luis de la Fuente’s squad will face Albania next Monday already assured of progressing to the knockout stages and displaying the form of potential champions.
For Italy, the defeat served as a stark reality check, as the vibrant Spanish side continuously tested the exceptional Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal, while the Azzurri failed to muster a single shot on target throughout the match.
This performance echoed the dominant display of Spain in the Euro 2012 final against Italy, where they clinched a resounding 4-0 victory, marking a significant chapter in the era of tiki-taka football.
Nevertheless, all hope is not lost for Luciano Spalletti’s team, who currently sit second in the standings with three points. A draw against Croatia in their upcoming fixture will suffice to secure their progression from the group stage behind Spain.
Spain had several opportunities to take the lead within the opening ten minutes, squandering two clear-cut headed chances. The first arrived just two minutes into the game, with an unmarked Pedri directing Williams’ precise cross straight at Donnarumma. Shortly thereafter, Williams, who consistently troubled Di Lorenzo, missed a golden opportunity by heading wide Alvaro Morata’s superbly delivered cross from the left flank.
Throughout the match, Spain maintained their dominance as Italy struggled to escape their defensive half. Gianluca Scamacca, left largely isolated up front, struggled to make an impact and squandered possession when opportunities arose.
Donnarumma exhibited his exceptional goalkeeping prowess, denying Morata with a crucial save early on before thwarting a powerful strike from Fabian Ruiz with an acrobatic fingertip save moments later. Meanwhile, Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon had little to do, with Italy managing just one attempt on goal before the break, a wayward effort from Federico Chiesa.
The second half saw a continuation of Spanish possession and Italian resilience, with Pedri missing another excellent chance in the 51st minute, firing wide after Marc Cucurella delivered a perfectly executed low cross.
However, Spain eventually broke the deadlock through Williams’ dazzling play on the left flank. The young winger breezed past Di Lorenzo and sent in a dangerous cross that Calafiori inadvertently diverted into his own net.
La Roja continued to press for a second goal, with Morata and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal each testing Donnarumma from distance. Williams came closest to doubling Spain’s advantage, unleashing a powerful shot that rattled off the crossbar in the 71st minute.
Italy pushed forward in search of an equalizer following substitutions that saw Mattia Zaccagni and Mateo Retegui replace Chiesa and Scamacca, but Donnarumma once again showcased his shot-stopping abilities late in the game, denying Ayoze Perez on two occasions to prevent the scoreline from reflecting the one-sided nature of the contest.
In conclusion, Spain’s convincing victory over Italy not only secured their progression in Euro 2024 but also underscored their credentials as serious contenders for the title. Conversely, Italy will need to regroup quickly and secure a positive result against Croatia to advance from the group stage and keep their tournament hopes alive.
