Spain secured their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 with an impressive 1-0 victory over Italy in Group B. The Spanish team dominated the first half but were repeatedly thwarted by Italy’s outstanding goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The breakthrough came in the second half when Riccardo Calafiori inadvertently scored an own goal, deflecting Nico Williams’ low cross into the net. This decisive moment ensured Spain’s progression to the knockout stages, showcasing their resilience and quality against a strong Italian side.
Report
A slick Spain side produced a dominant display to secure a 1-0 victory over defending European champions Italy, winning Euro 2024 Group B with a game to spare. The decisive goal in the one-sided affair in Gelsenkirchen came when Italian central defender Riccardo Calafiori turned the ball into his own net on 55 minutes from a cross by the outstanding Nico Williams.
Luis de la Fuente’s men could have won by a larger margin, missing several chances and seeing Williams hit the bar. However, they can now approach their final group match against Albania on Monday with no added pressure, having followed up their 3-0 win over Croatia with another impressive performance.
In contrast, Italy, who were largely outclassed and had goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to thank for preventing a heavier defeat, must regroup quickly. They need a draw against Croatia to secure second place in the group and advance to the knockout stages.
Player of the Match: Nico Williams (Spain)
Nico Williams was a constant torment to Italy, with his pace and poise out wide being key features of Spain’s memorable victory. He should have scored early on, heading wide from close range, and later hit the bar in the second half. Despite missing these opportunities, Williams added significant menace in the final third. The finishing touch is perhaps the next step in his development, but his performance was instrumental in Spain’s win.
Key stats
- Spain have now won three games in a row against Italy and are unbeaten in the last six matches between the sides (W4 D2).
- This was the eighth EURO final tournament match between Spain and Italy, a competition record, and the fifth consecutive EURO final tournament in which they have faced each other.
- Spain have now won two of those eight EURO matches, the other victory a 4-0 success in the 2012 final.
- Spain have lost only one of their last 14 EURO group games (W10 D3).
- La Roja have kept eight clean sheets in their last ten group fixtures in the tournament.
- This is only the third time Spain have started a EURO final tournament with two wins, after 2008 and 2016.
- Pedri has made 12 appearances in EURO and FIFA World Cup tournaments, matching the European record for a player aged 21 or younger set by Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Riccardo Calafiori is only the second Italian to score an own goal in a EURO or World Cup and the first since Cristian Zaccardo against the United States at the 2006 World Cup.
- This was only Italy’s fourth defeat in 29 EURO group games (W16 D9).
- Excluding penalty shoot-outs, this was Italy’s first defeat in 11 EURO matches (W7 D3).
- The Azzurri failed to score for the first time in 11 games in the tournament.
PLAYER RATINGS
Spain: Simon 6, Carvajal 7, Le Normand 7, Morata 7, Ruiz 7, Laporte 7, Rodri 7, Williams 9, Yamal 8, Pedri 8, Cucurella 8 Subs: Baena 6, Oyarzabal 6, Perez 6, Torres 6
Italy: Donnarumma 8, Di Lorenzo 5, Dimarco 5, Calafiori 5, Frattesi 5, Jorginho 5, Scamacca 5, Pellegrini 5, Chiesa 5, Barella 5, Bastoni 5 Subs: Cristante 6, Cambiaso 6, Retegui 6, Raspadori 6, Zaccagni 6
Reactions
Luis de la Fuente, Spain Coach:
“This was our best performance since I became coach. We played well against Italy in the [2022/23] Nations League, but I think this was a more complete performance. I’m very proud of the result and the way in which we won this match, but it’s a very challenging tournament. We were superior across the board. I have so much respect for Italy; they had some difficulties tonight, but part of that is because we played so well.”
Nico Williams, Vivo Player of the Match:
“We dominated across the board. Italy are an excellent side, but we played very well and deserved to win. I think it’s my most complete performance with Spain and I hope to kick on and be able to help the team as much as possible. I’ve always dreamed of being involved in a level like this, playing in the European Championship and winning Player of the Match. I’m delighted.”
Luciano Spalletti, Italy Coach:
“There were too many gaps all over the pitch. We were constantly stretched; we were never able to squeeze the gaps between the various units and they were able to cause us problems. They caused us more problems than the scoreline suggests – let’s not beat around the bush.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy Goalkeeper:
“Honestly, I don’t care about my saves – I was hoping for a different result and a different performance. We missed too many easy passes and put in too little quality and, if you miss that much, they punish you.”