SPAIN 1-0 ITALY: Riccardo Calafiori’s own-goal proved to be enough for La Roja to claim the three points they needed to confirm their place in the Last 16 of Euro 2024
Spain cemented their credentials as one of the favourites to win Euro 2024 with a dominant win over Italy.
The scoreline should have been bigger, but in the end La Roja only needed Riccardo Calafiori’s own-goal to claim all three points. They started the game with serious intent, though failed to really trouble Gianluigi Donnarumma.
But they were finally ahead 10 minutes into the second-half when Inaki Williams broke down the wing. He crossed it in with Calfiori caught out by Donnarumma’s attempt to parry it away.
Italy struggled to create many clear-cut chances of their own and ultimately, one goal was enough for Spain. Here, Mirror Football looks at the biggest talking points from the match.
Refreshing change of pace
Many people will have watched England’s dire draw with Denmark heading into this game. So Spain and Italy’s desire to attack and play positive football was a refreshing change of pace.
La Roja were on top for much of the first-half and did have the better chances. But Italy also carved out opportunities of their own, as they showed the Three Lions how to blend a team of exiciting young talent.
In truth, the two sides were missing a goalscorer in the form of Harry Kane. Even so, this game felt like two heavyweights going at it and showed England just how much work they have to do.
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Spain cement credentials
Spain’s 3-0 win against an aging Croatia side was impressive, but this game against another favourite was a proper statement of intent. They were on top for much of the game, with their attacking outlook causing Italy all sorts of problems.
There has long been the belief that success at international level should be built on defensive security. And that is something that Spain have also been able to create, with Italy having just one shot in the opening 45 minutes.
They continued their dominance after the break, with their pressing causing issues for the Italians. Spain will have been grateful for the unfortunate own-goal, though they will hope to be more incisive going forward.
Italian defensive worries
Italy’s Euro 2020 win was built on the defensive pairing of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonnuic. Both those players have now moved on from international football and Italy are struggling in their absence.
Though they held off Spain in the first-half, that was more by luck than anything else. In the second-half, Spaletti’s men caused many of their own issues by consistently giving the ball away.
Those concerns only add to the worries created by the nervy win over Albania. While there were positives for Italy, it looks to be a tournament too soon for Spaletti’s side.
Spain’s perfect blend
While Spain have got experience throughout the spine of their team, in Aymeric Laporte, Rodri and Alvaro Morata, this win was built on the backs of their young stars. Nico Williams, Pedri and Lamine Yamal were particularly impressive.
This mix of youth and experience will stand La Roja in good stead as the tournament goes on. Their energy also kept the Italians under pressure through, meaning there was no respite for their defence.
That allowed Spain to remain in control of the match despite their slender lead. They looked far more likely to add to their goal than Italy did to equalising, mostly because their wingers had pegged Italy deep.
Williams sends Liverpool message
Nico Williams has emerged as a top target for Liverpool and he sent a message to the Reds with his performance against Italy on Thursday. The winger caused havoc for Italy down his side of the pitch and it was his cross that led to the own-goal.
If Liverpool push ahead with a move for the youngster, Williams has done enough to show that he would certainly suit the Premier League. He looks set to be a key player for Spain as they look to win this summer’s tournament.
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