Spain booked their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a game to spare, defeating Italy 1-0 on Thursday in a dominant performance that ensured La Roja would progress as Group B winners.
The decisive moment came nine minutes after half-time when Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal separated the two sides at Gelsenkirchen in the tournament’s most significant match to date in Germany.
Despite the narrow scoreline, Spain’s performance was commanding, completely nullifying Italy’s efforts. The Spaniards could have secured victory by half-time, mirroring their comprehensive win over Croatia in the opening round.
Nico Williams was the standout player, tormenting Napoli right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo and providing the cross that led to Calafiori’s own goal.
“We had quite a few really good chances, but we’re very happy because we showed that we are a great team and that we can stifle any team,” said Spain captain Alvaro Morata.
Luis de la Fuente’s team now sits at the top of the group with a perfect six points and will face Albania on Monday, already assured of a place in the knockout rounds and performing like potential champions.
Italy, meanwhile, experienced a reality check as Spain peppered Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal throughout the match, while the Azzurri failed to register a single shot on target.
“We misplaced too many easy passes and didn’t play with enough quality. If you make that many mistakes you are going to be punished,” said Donnarumma, who made eight saves.
This performance was reminiscent of the Euro 2012 final, where Spain defeated Italy 4-0 in a showcase of tiki-taka football. However, all is not lost for Luciano Spalletti’s team. They remain second in the group with three points, and a draw with Croatia on Monday will secure their qualification behind Spain.
Williams Shines for Spain
Spain could have taken the lead twice within the first 10 minutes but missed two excellent headed opportunities. Pedri, unmarked, headed Williams’ pinpoint cross straight at Donnarumma just two minutes into the match. Williams then headed wide from Morata’s inswinging cross from the left flank.
Spain dominated as Italy struggled to advance, with Gianluca Scamacca isolated up front and losing possession frequently. Donnarumma was called into action twice in quick succession, first denying Morata with his foot and then making a fingertip save to keep out Fabian Ruiz’s powerful shot from distance.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon was largely untroubled, with Italy’s only first-half attempt coming just before the break when Federico Chiesa shot over from a difficult position.
The pattern continued after half-time, with Pedri missing another good chance in the 51st minute, shooting wide from Marc Cucurella’s pull-back. Spain broke the deadlock soon after, thanks to Williams’ brilliant play on the left, resulting in Calafiori’s own goal.
Spain nearly doubled their lead with long-range efforts from Morata and teenager Lamine Yamal. Williams then smashed a shot past Donnarumma, only for it to hit the crossbar in the 71st minute.
Italy pushed forward in search of an equalizer, bringing on Mattia Zaccagni and Mateo Retegui for the ineffective Chiesa and Scamacca. However, Donnarumma made two excellent saves in the dying moments to prevent Ayoze Perez from extending Spain’s lead, leaving the scoreline a modest reflection of Spain’s dominance.
