Spain clinched their place in the Euro 2024 knockout stages with a scintillating performance against defending champions Italy, securing a narrow 1-0 victory at the Veltins-Arena on Friday.
Despite
Spain's dominance and numerous chances, the match was decided by an own goal
from Italy's Riccardo Calafiori in the second half. Spain had been kept at bay
for nearly an hour by Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma before Alvaro
Morata's flick-on was deflected in by Calafiori's knee.
Italy,
unable to muster a response, found themselves second-best throughout the match,
although they contributed to an engaging contest between two European
powerhouses. The high-stakes group stage clash lived up to expectations with an
electric opening half dominated by Spain's intensity and creativity.
Donnarumma's
heroics were crucial for Italy, making three excellent saves, including a
tip-over of Pedri’s header within the first two minutes. He also denied Fabian
Ruiz and Morata in quick succession. Spain's Nico Williams, who impressed alongside
16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, missed key opportunities, heading wide and
striking the crossbar.
Italy
struggled offensively, managing only three touches in Spain's box in the first
half and failing to register a shot on target. The second half offered little
improvement as Spain continued to create chances, with Pedri and Morata both
coming close.
Spain's
boss Luis de la Fuente praised his team's performance, stating, "I saw the
potential that my team boasts tonight. That ability to really make light work
of a top-class side like Italy." He acknowledged the significance of
defeating the defending champions, who won the tournament three years ago.
Italy's
manager Luciano Spalletti, who had aspired for his team to play with the
elegance of Giorgio Armani suits, admitted Spain had outclassed them. "We
didn’t play a fluid brand of football. When we won the ball back, we struggled
to keep possession," he said. Spalletti highlighted the gulf in sharpness
and freshness between the teams.
Italy
faces a crucial match against Croatia on Monday, needing a win to keep their
knockout stage hopes alive. Spain, already through, will play Albania in their
final group stage match.
Despite
the loss, Donnarumma's outstanding performance was a silver lining for Italy,
which has three points from a narrow victory over Albania. Spalletti emphasized
the challenges his team faced, acknowledging they were "constantly stretched"
and troubled beyond what the scoreline suggested.
As
Spain marches on, their display against Italy has fueled discussions about
their potential to win the tournament. Italy, with work still to do, aims to
progress and defend their title in the next stage.
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