Saturday, November 23, 2024

5 talking points as Spain reach Euro 2024 knockouts with win over poor Italy

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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 confirmed their place in the last 16 with a win over Italy(Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

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.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Who was man of the match in Spain’s clash with Italy? Comment below.

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