In the shock of the first round of the European Nations Championship, Italy did not exist against a solid Spanish team, Thursday June 20. Dominated from start to finish, the European champions logically lost in Gelsenkirchen (1-0). La Roja already has its ticket for the knockout phase.
Published on :
2 mins
The first day of group B of theEuro 2024 had given a first indication. Yes, Spain and Italy were off to a good start, each winning on their own. But the impression and the result were not the same. La Furia Roja had taken a bite of Croatia (3-0) while Squadra Azzurra had to work hard to win against Albania. The meeting on June 20 at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen confirmed the state of the forces present: Spain is indeed a tone above Italy.
From the start, the Iberians set the tone with a boost from Nico Williams on the left wing. His cross found Pedri’s head, and Gianluigi Donnarumma had to make a reflex save to keep his clean sheet. A few minutes later, Williams was on the receiving end of a serve from captain Alvaro Morata, but the shot went wide. At ease, Spain insisted even later with a big long-range strike from Fabian Ruiz, repelled by Donnarumma, his PSG teammate.
To consultEuro 2024: find the calendar and results
Williams unleashed, Italy unlucky
Ultra-dominated, unable to respond to the proposed challenge, Italy finally gave in at the start of the second half. Williams, untenable, again escaped the rearguard from his left wing. His cross was deflected with a header by Morata, and Riccardo Calafiori, the Italian central defender, accidentally sent the ball into the back of his own net (55th). A twist of fate for the Italians, but also a translation on the scoreboard of Spain’s clear domination since the kick-off.
Luciano Spalletti, Italy coach, has revised his plans and injected new blood. Despite everything, his team was unable to turn the tide of the match. Spain confiscated the ball and even almost added to the score via Nico Williams, real poison for the Italian defense. The Athletic Bilbao winger, entering the area, unleashed a curling shot which landed on the crossbar. At the end of the match, Squadra Azzurra attempted a last stand, in vain.
That makes two convincing victories in two matches for Spain, which confirms its status in this Euro and holds its ticket for the round of 16, like Germany (group A). Luis de la Fuente and his men, assured of finishing at the top of Group B, will be able to approach their last match of the first round against Albania on June 24 with serenity. Italy, too inoffensive on Thursday evening, will be under pressure against the Croats.