In the clash between defending champions Italy and three-time European champions Spain, only the Iberians lived up to expectations. Nevertheless, the Azzurri also have a good chance of reaching the round of 16.
Spain rewarded themselves for another absolutely dominant performance in the football classic against Italy with an early group win. After a 1:0 (0:0) win against the weak defending champions in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday evening, the Iberians are the second team after Germany to reach the last 16 of the European Championship. The Azzurri, on the other hand, need at least a point in their final match against Croatia in Leipzig on Monday to secure second place. Spain will then face Albania in Düsseldorf, who also still have a chance of progressing.
An own goal by Riccardo Calafiori (55th minute) secured a deserved victory for the Spaniards in front of 49,528 spectators, who could have decided the game much earlier. The Nations League winners put in another convincing performance after their 3-0 win over Croatia and underlined their title ambitions. Luis de la Fuente's team will face a third-placed team in the round of 16 on June 30 in Cologne. Italy, on the other hand, disappointed for the entire 90 minutes.
Donnarumma must save
At the last two European Championships, the Italians were the last stop for Spain. In 2021, the four-time world champions prevailed on penalties on their way to winning the title in the semi-finals, while Italy won in the round of 16 in 2016. The Iberians' desire for revenge was correspondingly great.
In front of their King Felipe VI, the Spaniards built on their strong performance against Croatia in the opener: they were dominant, confident on the ball and produced numerous impressive forward combinations. Italy keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma prevented them from going behind early on with several strong saves. After less than two minutes, he deflected a header from Pedri over the goal, and midway through the first half he saved a long-range shot from Fabián Ruiz. A header from Nico Williams missed the target (10').
Williams and Yamal on the move
There was initially little sign of Italy's feared defensive strength. In particular, the defending champions were unable to get a grip on Spain's lively wingers. At best, the Squadra Azzurra only managed to get in front of the Iberians' goal on the counter-attack - but with extremely limited success. They failed to create any real goalscoring opportunities.
Spanish left-back Williams in particular caused danger time and again. The 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest player in European Championship history at the age of 16 years and 338 days against Croatia, was a whirlwind on the right. The Italians only managed to stop their opponents at the last minute when they combined - or Donnarumma was on hand.
Spalletti reacts - without success
The Azzurri could have been two or three goals behind at the break. Coach Luciano Spalletti repeatedly gesticulated angrily on the touchline and spread his arms out almost in resignation shortly before the break. Even the cheers from the Italian fans, who were slightly outnumbered, did not help.
Spalletti reacted and made two changes at the break - but little changed in the course of the game. On the contrary: Italy were no longer able to free themselves from their opponents' constant pressure. Calafiori's own goal was the logical consequence. And the Spaniards did not let up, with Williams only hitting the crossbar (70'). At least the Azzurri were able to prevent an even greater defeat with luck and further saves from Donnarumma.
Telegram
Spain - Italy 1:0 (0:0)
Gelsenkirchen. - 49'528 spectators. - SR Vincic (SLO). - Goal: 55. Calafiori (own goal) 1:0.
Spain: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri; Pedri (71. Baena), Ruiz (94. Merino); Yamal (71. Torres), Morata (78. Oyarzabal), Williams (78. Perez).
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Barella, Jorginho (46. Cristante); Frattesi (46. Cambiaso), Pellegrini (82. Raspadori), Chiesa (64. Zaccagni); Scamacca (64. Retegui).
Remarks: 70th Williams shot on target. Cautions: 15 for Donnarumma. 45th Rodri (suspended for next match). 46 Cristante. 69th Le Normand. 95th Carvajal.
The live ticker
Spain
Italy
- Riccardo Calafiori - 1:0 (55.)
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Liveticker
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Liveticker closed
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#Preview
Who will win the European Championship?
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90.+7.End of 2nd half
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90.+5.Yellow card Spain
Dani Carvajal
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90.+4.Substitution in Spain
Mikel Merino
Midfielder
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90.+4.Substitution out Spain
Fabián Ruiz
Midfielder
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82.Substitution in Italy
Giacomo Raspadori
Striker
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82.Substitution out Italy
Lorenzo Pellegrini
Striker
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78.Substitution in Spain
Mikel Oyarzabal
Striker
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78.Substitution out Spain
Álvaro Morata
Striker
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78.Substitution in Spain
Ayoze Pérez
Striker
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78.Substitution out Spain
Nico Williams
Striker
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72.Substitution in Spain
Ferran Torres
Striker
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72.Substitution out Spain
Lamine Yamal
Striker
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71.Substitution in Spain
Álex Baena
Midfielder
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71.Substitution out Spain
Pedri
Midfielder
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69.Yellow card Spain
Robin Le Normand
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64.Substitution in Italy
Mateo Retegui
Striker
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64.Substitution out Italy
Gianluca Scamacca
Striker
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64.Substitution in Italy
Mattia Zaccagni
Striker
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64.Substitution out Italy
Federico Chiesa
Striker
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55.Goal for Spain, 1:0 through an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori
Defender
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46.Substitution in Italy
Andrea Cambiaso
Defender
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46.Substitution out Italy
Davide Frattesi
Midfielder
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46.Substitution in Italy
Bryan Cristante
Midfielder
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46.Substitution out Italy
Jorginho
Midfielder
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46.Yellow card Italy
Bryan Cristante
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46.Kick-off 2nd half
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45.+3.End of 1st half
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45.+2.Yellow card Spain
Rodri
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15.Yellow card Italy
Gianluigi Donnarumma
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1.Start of the match
