In a thrilling encounter at Euro 2024, Spain asserted their dominance over defending champions Italy with a convincing 1-0 victory on June 20th. Despite many missed chances that could have led to a much larger scoreline, Riccardo Calafiori’s unfortunate own goal in the 55th minute secured La Roja’s place in the knockout stages.
Relentless Pressure from La Roja
From the opening whistle, Spain, driven by a thirst for revenge after their Euro 2020 exit at the hands of the Azzurri, took control of the match. The youthful energy and attacking prowess of wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal proved too much for Italy to handle. The Spanish midfield, orchestrated by the brilliant Pedri, dictated the tempo and carved open the Italian defense time and again.
Within the first two minutes, Pedri came close to opening the scoring, forcing a spectacular save from Gianluigi Donnarumma with a powerful header. Eight minutes later, Williams unleashed a fierce shot that narrowly missed the target. Spain continued to pin Italy back in their own half, and Donnarumma again came to the rescue in the 25th minute, pulling off another impressive save to deny Fabian Ruiz’s thunderous strike from 30 yards out.
Calafiori’s Own Goal Breaks the Deadlock
The second half began as the first ended, with Spain relentlessly pressing for the opening goal. In the 55th minute, they finally got the benefits of their patience. Williams, a constant menace down the left flank, whipped in a dangerous cross. Alvaro Morata rose highest in the box and directed a glancing header, which Donnarumma palmed away. The ball struck Calafiori on the knee and ricocheted into the net.
Missed Opportunities and Italian Uncertainty
Spain didn’t ease off, even though they were ahead by just one goal. They continued to create chances, with Yamal coming close with a curling effort before Williams rattled the crossbar with a powerful shot. The final scoreline failed to accurately represent the vast difference in skill and performance between the two teams, serving as a clear indication of their superior control and dominance throughout the match.
Spain win ensures that they will end up at the top of Group B, no matter what happens in their last group stage game versus Albania on Monday. In the Round 16, they will be up against a team that finished third in a different group. Italy, conversely, is in for an anxious wait. They must avoid defeat in their final group game against Croatia to secure their place in the knockout stage. After a lackluster performance against Spain, the Azzurri have much to ponder before their crucial final group fixture.
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