June 21st 2024.
Spain took the lead in Group B of Euro 2024 with a 1-0 victory over Italy on Thursday night at the Arena AufSchalke. The win secured Spain a spot in the round of 16 thanks to an own goal from Italy's Riccardo Calafiori early in the second half.
Italy started the match off on the back foot as Spain's Nico Williams created a chance for Pedri with his impressive play on the left wing. However, Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made an incredible save to keep the score level. Williams himself had a golden opportunity to score in the 10th minute but his header went wide despite being unmarked in front of goal.
Spain continued to put pressure on Italy's defense, forcing Donnarumma to make another save to deny Alvaro Morata's shot from a tight angle. Donnarumma then made a diving save to tip Fabián Ruiz's long-range effort over the bar, and later blocked another shot from Alessandro Bastoni.
Apart from a few attempts from Federico Dimarco on the left, Italy struggled to create any real chances in the first half. In an effort to change the game, Italy's coach Luciano Spalletti made two substitutions at halftime, bringing on Bryan Cristante and Andrea Cambiaso. However, Spain remained dominant and nearly broke the deadlock through Pedri, who missed a great opportunity from Marc Cucurella's cross.
But it was an unexpected source that eventually provided the breakthrough for Spain. Williams once again played a key role, crossing the ball that was flicked on by Morata, and ultimately deflected into the net by Calafiori off Donnarumma's fingertips.
Donnarumma made another save to deny Morata, and Cambiaso cleared a shot off the line right after. Lamine Yamal came close to scoring for Spain, but his curling effort went just wide, and Williams hit the crossbar from a tight angle.
Italy pushed for an equalizer in the dying minutes of the game, but their efforts were easily dealt with by Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon. Spain almost extended their lead in stoppage time, but Donnarumma made two great saves to deny Ayoze Perez. In the end, Spain secured their spot in the round of 16.
Italy's head coach Luis de la Fuente praised his team's performance, stating that it was their best since he took over as coach. He also acknowledged the strength of their opponent, saying that Spain played a more complete game compared to their previous encounter in the Nations League. De la Fuente also expressed his respect for Italy, despite their difficulties in the match, crediting Spain's dominance as a factor.
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