Spain created many chances and controlled the game, but won 1-0 because of an own goal by Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori in the second half.
Spain couldn’t score for almost an hour because Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made many great saves. Then, Alvaro Morata’s touch led to Calafiori accidentally scoring for Spain with his knee.
Italy didn’t respond and were clearly the weaker team, though they still played well in an exciting match.
The game was highly anticipated and lived up to expectations, with Spain playing beautifully and creatively, while Italy managed to hold them off.
Donnarumma made three excellent saves, including one from Pedri’s header early in the game, and later denied Fabian Ruiz and Morata.
Spain’s Nico Williams missed some chances but played impressively alongside 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who also almost scored.
Italy barely threatened in the first half and didn’t improve much after the break. Spain continued to create chances, with Pedri and Morata coming close again. Spain comfortably advanced with two wins and no goals conceded.
Italy still has a chance to advance if they beat Croatia on Monday. Meanwhile, Spain will play against Albania.
Italy’s manager Luciano Spalletti wanted his team to play stylishly, but Spain dominated. Giovanni di Lorenzo struggled against Spain’s Williams, who played with great skill and speed, even hitting the crossbar.
Williams and Yamal often tricked their opponents, delighting the Spanish fans. Yamal, who assisted in Spain’s earlier win over Croatia, encouraged the crowd to cheer louder during the game.
Spain’s manager Luis de la Fuente was pleased with his team’s performance, especially against a top team like Italy, and liked that people were considering Spain as potential winners now.
Despite their efforts, Italy couldn’t match Spain individually and were lucky not to concede more, thanks to Donnarumma’s excellent performance.
Italy had a brief resurgence as Spain tired towards the end, but Spain’s substitute Ayoze Perez was denied twice by Donnarumma.
Italy’s win over Albania gives them a chance to reach the knockout stages, but they still have work to do.
Spalletti admitted that Spain caused many problems and Italy struggled to keep possession, showing a clear difference in sharpness and freshness between the teams.