Spain secured a spot in the EURO-2024 playoffs by finishing first in Group B. In the second round, the Spaniards achieved a narrow 1-0 victory over Italy. The only goal was scored due to an unfortunate incident: the ball, deflected by Gianluigi Donnarumma, hit Ricardo Calafiori and bounced into his own net.
In the final round, Italy will face Croatia, where the fate of the second place in Group B will be decided. Spain will play against Albania, and if the Albanians win, they will also contend for a playoff spot.
The man of the match was Nico Williams, who was very active on the right wing of the attack. He even had one dangerous shot that hit the crossbar.
Spain dominated the field from start to finish. The Italian team should be satisfied with losing by only one goal. "La Roja" was clearly the stronger side.
The Italians were lucky to lose by a minimal score, as for most of the match they could not match Spain's level of play. Only a series of brilliant saves by Donnarumma spared Italy from a heavier defeat. Spain won almost every duel — Nico Williams was unstoppable — and fully deserved the victory and first place in the group.
Italy now needs to avoid defeat against Croatia to advance to the Round of 16.
Line-ups
Spain: Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri (Álex 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)
Group B, EURO-2024
