GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany – Spain delivered a commanding performance against reigning champions Italy, securing a 1-0 victory and a place in the Euro 2024 round of 16. While Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal in the 55th minute officially decided the Group B match at the Veltins Arena, the scoreline hardly reflected Spain’s overwhelming control and dominance on the pitch. This display has firmly established Spain as a formidable contender and one of the favorites to lift the European Championship trophy for a record-breaking fourth time.
“I believe this was the most impressive performance from Spain under my leadership,” declared coach Luis de la Fuente, brimming with confidence. “I see no limits for this team; the sky’s the limit in terms of their potential.”
Spain’s performance was a masterclass in control, leaving defending champions Italy struggling to cope. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, at just 16 years old, further cemented his burgeoning reputation as one of football’s most thrilling young talents with an electrifying display. Nico Williams, named Player of the Match, was a constant menace to the Italian defense, even coming agonizingly close to scoring with a shot that struck the crossbar in the second half.
Italy’s goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, was kept incredibly busy throughout the match, producing a string of crucial saves to keep his team in the game. Ultimately, even Donnarumma’s heroics couldn’t prevent Spain from taking the lead when he inadvertently deflected the ball onto Calafiori’s legs, resulting in the unfortunate own goal.
Italy’s coach, Luciano Spalletti, offered a frank assessment of his team’s performance. “They deserved the victory, and frankly, we were simply not in the match,” Spalletti admitted. “The gap in quality was too significant. We were constantly stretched, unable to close the spaces between our lines, and they exploited this weakness relentlessly. Spain caused us far more problems than the scoreline indicates, and we must be honest about that.”
Spain’s dominant showing was reminiscent of their golden era, when they revolutionized international football by winning consecutive European Championships and the World Cup between 2008 and 2012. After a period where their dominance seemed to wane, this Euro 2024 campaign suggests a powerful resurgence.
Notably, in their opening 3-0 victory against Croatia, Spain conceded possession for the first time in 136 competitive matches. However, against Italy, they reverted to their trademark style, suffocating Italy by monopolizing possession and dictating the tempo of the game in a largely one-sided contest.
Spain relentlessly pressured the Italian defense from the outset, creating a flurry of opportunities in the first half. Donnarumma was repeatedly called into action, showcasing his shot-stopping abilities to keep the score level.
Despite Spain’s sustained pressure, it took an own goal to finally break the deadlock in the second half. Donnarumma initially saved Alvaro Morata’s header but pushed the ball directly into the path of Calafiori, who was helpless as it bounced off him and into the net.
Williams then came within inches of extending Spain’s lead, unleashing a великолепный curling strike that rattled the crossbar.
“We asserted our dominance across all areas of the game,” Williams emphasized. “Italy is a top-quality team, but we executed our game plan exceptionally well and thoroughly deserved to win.”
Williams is just one component of the exciting young core within De la Fuente’s Spain squad. Yamal is another shining example, with the Barcelona prodigy, who has a staggering $1 billion release clause, dazzling spectators with his intricate dribbling and skillful maneuvers.
Barcelona midfielder Pedri is emerging as the heir apparent to Spanish legend Andres Iniesta, displaying similar vision, passing range, and composure in midfield.
“I want to highlight the exceptional quality of this generation of players, particularly those within our squad. In my opinion, Spanish players are currently the best in the world,” De la Fuente proudly stated.
Spain has endured a period of underachievement since their last European Championship triumph in 2012, suffering disappointing early exits from the subsequent three World Cups.
At the previous Euro tournament, they were eliminated by Italy in a penalty shootout in the semi-finals.
However, recent successes, including winning the UEFA Nations League the previous year, have indicated a resurgence. This victory against Italy further solidifies their position as serious contenders for Euro 2024.
“Ultimately, we have not yet accomplished anything concrete,” De la Fuente cautioned, tempering expectations. “Football is unpredictable. We must remain grounded, humble, and respectful of our opponents.”
In other Euro 2024 action, England drew 1-1 with Denmark in Group C after Harry Kane’s goal was nullified by a Danish equalizer. Meanwhile, Luka Jovic scored a late goal to secure a 1-1 draw for Serbia against Slovenia in the same group. England currently leads Group C with four points and is well-positioned to advance to the knockout stages.
James Robson reports from https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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