A Riccardo Calafiori own goal propelled Spain into the Euro 2024 last 16 as Group B winners with a 1-0 victory over Italy.
Spain impressed once again, following their 3-0 thrashing of Croatia in the opening game. They dominated the match in Gelsenkirchen and could have won by a larger margin if not for the exceptional saves from Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and some poor finishing.
From the outset, Spain was in control, with Donnarumma called into action within the first two minutes, making a spectacular save to tip over Pedri’s close-range header. Nico Williams caused constant problems for Italy right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo and should have scored with a header from inside the six-yard box. Donnarumma continued his heroics with saves from Alvaro Morata and a long-range strike from Fabian Ruiz.
Spain maintained their pressure in the second half. Pedri missed a golden opportunity early on, side-footing wide. Italy’s defense faltered when Calafiori turned Williams’ low cross into his own net, giving Spain the lead. Calafiori nearly scored another own goal, but Andrea Cambiaso cleared his team-mate’s errant header off the line.
Spain’s young talents, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal and Williams, continued to shine. Yamal narrowly missed the top left corner with a shot, and Williams struck the crossbar with a curling effort. Italy, outclassed throughout the match, managed just one shot on target. Donnarumma kept them in contention until the final minute, making a crucial save against substitute Ayoze Perez in a one-on-one situation.
Star Performer: ‘Williams Pure Quality’
Sky Sports’ Roy Keane on ITV: “It was pure quality. That real pace, you can’t coach that. It’s a threat. When he gets one-on-one with the full-back, there’s trouble for the defender.
“He can go left or right. His shooting power and his crossing is excellent. He showed great strength at times and his attitude was spot on.
“He was the best player on the park.”
Credit: Sky Sports
