A 55th-minute own goal by Riccardo Calafiori settled the Group B game at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen. But that didn’t begin to tell the story of a statement performance from Spain.
Spain's Alvaro Morata ) Dani Carvajal, center, and Lamine Yamal celebrate after an own goal by Italy's Riccardo Calafiori during a Group B match between Spain and Italy at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Thursday, June 20, 2024. The three-time European champion advanced to the round of 16 at Euro 2024 after a 1-0 win against holder Italy on Thursday.
“I think it was the best Spain performance I have taken charge of,” coach Luis de la Fuente said. “I don’t see a ceiling on this team. The sky is the limit.”Player of the match Nico Williams also tormented Italy’s defenders and was the width of the crossbar away from scoring in the second half. “They deserved to win and we were never in the game,” Italy coach Luciano Spalletti said. “There was too much of a gulf. We were constantly stretched, we were never able to squeeze the gaps between the various units and they were able to cause us problems. They caused us more problems than the scoreline suggests, let’s not beat around the bush.”
Chances came thick and fast in the first half, with Donnarumma pulling off a string of saves to keep the score goalless.Donnarumma pushed Alvaro Morata’s glancing header into the legs of Calafiori, who could only watch as the ball ricocheted into the back of the net.“We dominated across the board,” Williams said. “Italy are an excellent side but we played very well and deserved to win.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Euro 2024: Nico Williams steers rampant Spain into knockout round, sinks ItalySpain was too good for Italy, with a comfortable 1-0 victory clinching its qualification from Group B.
Read more »
Spalletti: Italy prepared to 'scuff up beautiful suits' against Spain at Euro 2024Italy coach Luciano Spalletti says his players may have to scuff up their beautiful suits when they take on Spain in their European Championship match on Thursday. Both teams made winning starts to Euro 2024 and their clash in Gelsenkirchen could determine which tops Group B, which also includes Croatia and Albania. Italy is the defending champion.
Read more »
Euro 2024 power rankings: Spain still on top despite Germany winSpain tops Euro 2024 power rankings, but Italy will provide its sternest challenge.
Read more »
UEFA Euro 2024 Bracket: Follow Our 2024 BracketDownload our UEFA Euro 2024 Bracket to make your picks before the next stage of the tournament begins.
Read more »
Spain vs. Italy FREE stream: How to watch UEFA Euros 2024 todayThe 2024 UEFA Euros are in full effect, and Spain is set to take on Italy in a battle of heavyweights. Here's how you can watch Thursday's group play match for free if you don't have cable.
Read more »
Turkey defender Ozan Kabak out of Euro 2024 after tearing knee ligament against ItalyTurkey defender Ozan Kabak will miss the European Championship after tearing a cruciate ligament in his right knee in a friendly against Italy. Kabak was injured after challenging Italy forward Mateo Retegui for the ball shortly before halftime in the friendly, which finished 0-0.
Read more »