Watch

 

Euro 2024 - Spain 1-0 Italy: Riccardo Calafiori own goal sends Spain into last 16 as Group B winners

 

Spain continued their impressive run at Euro 2024, dismantling a stubborn Italian side 1-0 in a pulsating Group B encounter at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen. Having thumped Croatia 3-0 in their opening match, Luis Enrique's men delivered another dominant performance, leaving little doubt about their credentials as one of the tournament favorites.

The gulf in class was evident from the outset. Spain, buoyed by their opening day thrashing, established control early doors. Italy's legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was thrust into action within a breath-taking opening two minutes, spectacularly clawing Pedri's close-range header over the bar. This set the tone for a one-sided first half, with Donnarumma emerging as Italy's sole savior.

Spain's relentless attacking spearheaded by the lively Nico Williams on the right flank kept the Azzurri defense on tenterhooks. Williams, a constant thorn in the side of Italy's Giovanni Di Lorenzo, squandered a golden opportunity with a close-range header that Donnarumma again heroically parried away. The relentless Spanish onslaught continued, with Donnarumma proving his worth with further stunning saves from Alvaro Morata and a long-range effort from Fabian Ruiz.

 

Despite their dominance, Spain couldn't find a breakthrough in the first half. Their finishing lacked the clinical edge displayed against Croatia, but credit must also be given to a resolute Italian defense marshaled by the evergreen Giorgio Chiellini. Italy, however, offered very little in attack, mustering a solitary shot that failed to test Unai Simon in the Spanish goal.

The second half began with the same Spanish dominance. Pedri, pulling the strings in midfield, spurned a glorious opportunity to break the deadlock, side-footing his shot just wide of the post. However, moments later, fortune smiled upon Spain. Nico Williams, who had been a constant menace throughout the match, delivered a low cross that took a cruel deflection off Riccardo Calafiori, ending up in the back of his own net. The own goal, much like the Italian performance, was a moment of self-inflicted misery.

Despite going a goal behind, Italy failed to muster a response. Their attacking play lacked creativity and penetration, with Spain snuffing out any danger with ease. The introduction of young talents Lamine Yamal and the aforementioned Williams further bolstered Spain's attacking threat. Yamal, a precocious talent, nearly doubled their lead with a shot that fizzed inches wide of the top corner, while Williams rattled the crossbar with a delightful curler that encapsulated his direct and exciting style.

 

Italy, outclassed for most of the match, continued to struggle. Donnarumma remained their sole bright spark, keeping them in the contest with a late save from substitute Ayoze Perez, who found himself one-on-one with the Italian shot-stopper. However, it was a mere consolation as the final whistle confirmed a well-deserved victory for Spain.

This win secures Spain's place in the last 16 of Euro 2024. Their dominant display against a traditionally strong Italian side has sent a clear message to the rest of the competition - they are a force to be reckoned with. Luis Enrique's possession-based philosophy, coupled with the individual brilliance of young talents like Pedri and Williams, makes Spain a dangerous proposition for any opponent.

Italy, on the other hand, have a lot of soul-searching to do. Their performance against Spain exposed weaknesses in both attack and defense. Roberto Mancini, the mastermind behind their Euro 2020 triumph, will need to find solutions quickly if they are to progress further in the tournament.