The victory over Italy was definitely the best Spain have played since Luis de la Fuente became national coach in December 2022, and arguably their best display since the Euro 2020 semi-final against Italy.
Or maybe even the Euro 2012 final, also against Italy.
De la Fuente’s side went on the attack from the first whistle, mixing direct running wingers in Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, with incisive passing from the midfield trio of Pedri, Rodri and Fabian Ruiz.
Williams’ dribbling especially was causing havoc every time he got on the ball, and everything seemed to be clicking perfectly for his team.
Spain had nine shots — four on target — before Italy managed their first effort at goal, and the one-way traffic continued after half-time.
Spain got to 11 efforts at goal without finding the net, before Riccardo Calafiori could not help but knock the ball into his own goal.
The Spanish fans in Gelsenkirchen were loving it, with ‘ole’ cheers breaking out around the stands. The only slight concern was having so many shots and only scoring once.