Spain secured their spot in the Euro 2024 last 16 as Group B winners with a 1-0 victory over Italy. The match saw a Riccardo Calafiori own goal that sent Spain into the next round. Despite Spain dominating the game from the start, they struggled to convert their chances into goals, with Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma making some superb saves.
Spain made one change from their previous victory, bringing in Aymeric Laporte, while Italy stuck with the same XI. Nico Williams was a standout player for Spain, causing problems for Italy’s defense throughout the game. Despite Italy’s efforts to stay in the match, they were outclassed by Spain’s performance.
Sky Sports’ Roy Keane praised Williams’ performance, highlighting his pace, threat, and quality on the field. However, Spain’s missed chances raised some concerns, with Gary Neville questioning their ruthlessness in front of goal.
After their impressive performance in Group B, Spain is now considered the favorites to win Euro 2024. The team’s style of play, reminiscent of their dominance in previous tournaments, has put them in a strong position to end their 12-year trophy drought. Rodri’s role in midfield has been crucial in orchestrating Spain’s attacking play, allowing players like Pedri and Williams to shine.
On the other hand, Italy’s resilience was not enough to secure a win against Spain. The team struggled to create meaningful chances and will need to improve if they want to qualify for the knockout stages. With a crucial match against Croatia looming, Italy will have to regroup and focus on securing a spot in the next round.
Overall, the match between Spain and Italy showcased Spain’s strength and potential in the tournament. With their impressive display of skill and teamwork, Spain has emerged as a strong contender for the Euro 2024 title. Italy, on the other hand, will need to work on their performance to ensure they progress to the next stage of the competition.