EURO 2024: Spain beats Italy to advance in knockout stage
Spain vented ire over defending champions Italy to book a spot in the knockout stages of EURO 2024 with a 1-0 win on Thursday.
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Spain exacts revenge against Italy in EURO 2024
The Spain-Italy fixture in Gelsenkirchen marked a rematch of the EURO 2020 final.
La Roja dominated the matchup by creating countless chances for themselves.
Italy had to rely on star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in deflecting Spain’s attack.
The Azzurri captain tipped Pedri’s second-minute header from a Nico Williams cross, and he also stopped a 30-metre rocket from Fabian Ruiz in the 25th minute.
However, Italy’s fortunes took a turn for the worse in the second half when Spain broke the deadlock, thanks to an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori.
Alvaro Morata’s header was deflected by Donnarumma, but the ball went through Calafiori’s knees and into the net.
The Bologna defender became the first Italian to score an own goal in the European Championship.
Spain was the better team
Spain coach Luis De La Fuente believed that his side was the superior team throughout the match.
The three-time EURO winners became the second team in the tournament to advance to the Round of 16, following the host nation Germany, who were the first to secure a knockout stage berth.
“It’s not just the win, it’s the manner in which we did it against the current European champions,” De la Fuente said. “We were superior physically, tactically and in terms of the talent of our players.
“We dominated and controlled Italy and should have won by more with the chances we had. There is room to improve, but we saw the potential this Spain team has, nullifying a team like Italy. Now we have to go step by step.”
Even Italy boss Luciano Spalletti agreed that Spain manhandled his side.
“Everyone would love to copy Spain,” Spalletti said. “They have played the best football for the longest time. I need to make my players aware of how important this match is because it becomes very challenging if you just sit deep.”
“You have to overhaul the concept and mentality of the team and just chase after the ball and cede it to them. But I don’t want to play like that. I don’t know how to coach how to do that. I’m the least-suited person to do that so you need to play the ball and keep possession.
“And try to get hold of the game and take it by the scruff of the neck. That’s the only way.”
EURO 2024 HIGHLIGHTS
- Germany outclass Scotland in 5-1 opening fixture
- EURO 2024 RESULT – SWITZERLAND EDGED HUNGARY IN THE OPENING GROUP GAME
- EURO 2024: BELLINGHAM HEADER LIFTS ENGLAND PAST SERBIA
- EURO 2024: SLOVENIA SPOIL ERIKSEN MOMENT FOR DENMARK
- WEGHORST SALVAGES NETHERLANDS VS POLAND
- ITALY HUMBLES ALBANIA DESPITE YIELDING QUICK GOAL
- SLOVAKIA STUNS BELGIUM AFTER LUKAKU GOALS RULED OUT
- WOBER OWN GOAL LIFTS FRANCE TO WIN AMID MBAPPE INJURY
- GERMANY REACH KNOCKOUT STAGE AFTER BEATING HUNGARY
- ALBANIA, CROATIA SETTLE FOR DRAW AFTER RARE GJASULA FEAT
- EURO 2024: ENGLAND SETTLES FOR 1-1 DRAW WITH DENMARK
What’s next for Spain, Italy
Spain finishes top of Group B regardless of the outcome of their last match against Albania on Monday.
Meanwhile, Italy must not falter against Croatia to continue their title defense campaign in EURO 2024.
