Spain secured their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 on Thursday, clinching a 1-0 victory over Italy that guarantees them the top spot in Group B. The decisive moment came from Riccardo Calafiori's own goal, nine minutes into the second half, in a match held at Gelsenkirchen.
Despite the narrow scoreline, Spain's dominance was clear throughout, echoing their commanding win against Croatia in the opening round. The Spanish side, known as La Roja, stifled Italy's efforts and could have sealed the game by halftime.
Nico Williams was instrumental in Spain's success, consistently outmaneuvering Napoli right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Williams provided the critical cross that led to Calafiori's misdirected goal.
With a perfect six points, Luis de la Fuente’s squad can face Albania on Monday with their knockout stage qualification already secured, and their sights set on a championship run.
For Italy, the defeat was a sobering experience. Spain relentlessly pressured Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal, while Italy failed to register a single shot on target. The match evoked memories of Spain's 4-0 triumph in the Euro 2012 final, the pinnacle of their tiki-taka era.
However, Italy still has a path to the knockout rounds. Currently second in the group with three points, a draw against Croatia on Monday will ensure their progression behind Spain.
Williams Shines for Spain
Spain could have taken an early lead within the first ten minutes, squandering two excellent headed chances. Just two minutes in, an unmarked Pedri headed Williams’ precise cross directly at Donnarumma. Williams himself missed a golden opportunity shortly after, heading Alvaro Morata’s superb cross wide.
Spain's dominance was evident as Italy struggled to advance past midfield. Gianluca Scamacca, isolated up front, found little support and squandered the possession he did receive. Donnarumma made crucial saves to keep Italy in the game, first denying Morata with an outstretched foot, then tipping Fabian Ruiz’s powerful long-range shot away.
Meanwhile, Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon was largely unchallenged, with Italy’s only first-half attempt coming from Federico Chiesa, who shot over from a difficult angle.
The second half began with continued Spanish pressure. Pedri missed another prime opportunity in the 51st minute, sending Marc Cucurella’s low cross wide. Spain finally broke through with Williams again tormenting Di Lorenzo and delivering a cross that led to Calafiori’s own goal.
Spain nearly doubled their lead with long-range efforts from Morata and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Williams came close to scoring himself, hitting the crossbar in the 71st minute.
Italy attempted to rally with substitutes Mattia Zaccagni and Mateo Retegui replacing the ineffective Chiesa and Scamacca. However, Spain remained in control, and Donnarumma was called upon again to prevent Ayoze Perez from extending the lead, preserving the 1-0 scoreline that didn’t quite capture the extent of Spain's superiority.
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