Italy manager Luciano Spalletti said this week he wanted his side to play as elegantly as if they were dressed in their Giorgio Armani suits – but Spain stole the dress code.
Giovanni di Lorenzo had a torrid evening against Spain’s Williams, who terrorised him with pace, skill and a fearlessness that stood out on the main stage.
Spain’s biggest chances came down the left as Williams, linking up with Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, dominated proceedings and he was almost rewarded when he curled the ball on to the crossbar.
On several occasions Williams and Yamal nutmegged their opponents, receiving cries of adulation from Spanish supporters in the stands.
Midway through the second half Yamal, who impressed and got an assist in their opening 3-0 win over Croatia, turned to the crowd and waved his arms up and down, in a rallying cry to increase their noise – and they responded.
“I saw the potential that my team boasts tonight. That ability to really make light work of a top-class side like Italy,” said Spain boss Luis de la Fuente afterwards.
“Italy won the Euros three years ago and we were still a long way off winning it, so I like the fact people are speaking about us and considering that we could win 1718943743.”
Italy, though they worked hard and kept their shape throughout, were unable to compete individually and were fortunate not to have conceded more, but Donnarumma was in excellent form.
There was a late retaliation in the final minutes as Spain started to tire – players went down with cramp – and that was enough to give the Italian fans a boost.
But Spain substitute Ayoze Perez came close twice in quick succession right at the end only to be denied by the outstanding Donnarumma.
Italy still have work to do to reach the knockout stages but their narrow victory over Albania means they have three valuable points on the board and the defence of their title is not yet over.
“We were constantly stretched and they caused us problems – beyond what the scoreline suggests, let’s not beat around the bush,” said Italy boss Spalletti.
“We didn’t play a fluid brand of football. When we won the ball back we struggled to keep possession.
“There was too much of a gulf in sharpness and freshness.”