Spain………1
Italy…………0
Spain were too strong for Italy in the second EURO 2024 game of Group D
Spain claimed first place in UEFA EURO 2024 Group B, and a spot in the round of 16, with a narrow but dominant victory against Italy at the Arena AufSchalke thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal early in the second half.
Both teams fielded familiar line-ups after their opening victories. Spain made one change, bringing Aymeric Laporte into the center of the defense, while Italy stuck with the same side that came back from conceding early to beat Albania.
The Azzurri faced early threats, with Nico Williams creating chances for Spain. Pedri had a headed chance saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Williams missed a clear opportunity with a header.
Spain continued to press, with Donnarumma making crucial saves from Álvaro Morata and Fabián Ruiz. Italy struggled to make inroads into the Spain penalty area, with only a few attempts from Federico Dimarco. Despite making substitutions at halftime, Italy couldn’t stem the flow of Spain’s attacks, and Pedri missed another excellent chance to score.
Finally the breakthrough arrived, although from an unexpected source. It was no surprise that the move originated down the Spain left with Williams, however, his cross flicked on by Morata; Donnarumma could only get fingertips to the header and the ball rebounded in off Calafiori.
The goalkeeper tipped over another Morata effort as Spain sought to press their advantage, Cambiaso clearing off his own line moments later. Lamine Yamal then curled just wide, and although a Cristante cross into the Spain goalmouth reminded them of Italy’s threat, La Roja responded in kind, the lively Williams cutting inside from the left and thumping a shot against the crossbar from the corner of the area.
With time running out, Italy tried to work up a head of steam, but Cristante’s flick – comfortably gathered by Unai Simón – was as close as they came to stopping Spain from securing their place in the round of 16. Indeed, the three-time champions might have increased their margin of victory in the final stages, Donnarumma denying substitute Ayoze Pérez twice in added time.
Spain: Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri (Ález Baena 71), Rodri, Fabián Ruiz (Merino 90+4); Yamal (Ferran Torres 71), Morata (Oyarzabal 78), Williams (Pérez 78)
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Barella, Jorginho (Cristante 46); Frattesi (Cambiaso 46), Pellegrini (Raspadori 82), Chiesa (Zaccagni 64); Scamacca (Retegui 64)
