Bologna defender Ricardo Calafiori scored an own goal to give Spain a 1:0 victory over Italy. Spain were definitely dominant throughout the game but Italy did not go down easily either. A polished Spanish team produced a dominant performance to complete a magnificent 1-0 victory over defending European champions Italy to clinch Group B of Euro 2024 with one game to go.
MAN OF THE MATCH: NIKO WILLIAMS (SPAIN)
He tormented Italy with the quality of his pace and wide formation which is the true characteristic of an unforgettable victory for his team. He really should have scored as he hit the crossbar early on from close range before hitting the crossbar in the second half, but he adds so much threat in the final third. The final seal is perhaps the next step in its development.
PLAYER RATINGS
Spain: Simon 6, Carvajal 7, Le Normand 7, Morata 7, Ruiz 7, Laporte 7, Rodri 7, Williams 9, Jamal 8, Pedri 8, Cucurella 8 Subs: Baena 6, Ojarzabal 6, Perez 6, Torres 6
Italy: Donnarumma 8, Di Lorenzo 5, Dimarco 5, Calafiori 5, Fratesi 5, Jorginho 5, Scamaka 5, Pellegrini 5, Chiesa 5, Barella 5, Bastoni 5 Substitutes: Cristante 6, Cambiazzo 6, Reteginhi 6, Zapadorić 6 6
THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE MATCH
2′ ALMOST THE BEGINNING OF A DREAM SPAIN! Great play by Williams on the wing to score. Crosses with real threat but Donnarumma heads Pedri. Super rescue.
10′ SPAIN MISS ANOTHER BRILLIANT CHANCE This time Morata heads in a fantastic cross but Williams somehow nods the ball wide from five yards. How did he miss that? Such a brilliant start from Williams but should have a goal to go with it. Still 0-0.
53′ PEDRI SO CLOSE TO THE OPENER He hammers the ball past Cucurella before Donnarumma is forced to make a firm stop with a shot to the neck.
55′ GOAL! (CALAFIORI) SPAIN 1-0 ITALY And Spain finally have the lead as Ricardo Calafiori deflects the ball into his own net from Williams’ cross. Unlucky. But I can’t say they didn’t deserve it.
73′ WILLIAMS SO CLOSE TO ANOTHER Nico showed all his quality and sent the ball off the bar after Giovanni Di Lorenzo was left dead. Williams was excellent for Spain tonight.