Spain did everything but finish in a dominant performance against Italy at EURO 2024 on Thursday, an Italian own goal the lone marker in a 1-0 affair in Gelsenkirchen.
[ MORE: EURO 2024 schedule | EURO 2024 squads ]
Spain had smashed Croatia 3-0 in Berlin to start Group B play, while reigning champions Italy overcame an early concession to beat Albania 2-1 in Dortmund, but there was little doubt who was the better side on matchday 2.
Gianluigi Donnarumma made eight saves and Spain’s imperious defense only asked a single save out of Athletic Bilbao star Unai Simon.
Spain vs Italy player ratings (from fotmob.com)
Spain vs Italy player ratings (from fotmob.com)
Spain vs Italy player ratings (from fotmob.com)
What’s next?
Spain meet Albania and Italy tangle with Croatia at 3pm ET Monday. Albania and Croatia each have three points, while Spain have six and Italy three.
How to watch Spain vs Italy, stream link and start time
Kick off: 3pm ET, Thursday (June 20)
Stadium: Gelsenkirchen
How to watch on TV in USA: Fox Sports
Spain vs Italy live updates — By Nick Mendola
Spain vs Italy final score: 1-0
Goalscorers: Calafiori (o.g. 54')
Donnrumma has been spectacular
Eight saves and seven recoveries.
What would this score line be without the PSG star?
Italy’s best chance
It’s the Azzurri’s hard cross atop the six now as Spalletti’s men seek an equalizer.
This one is absent receiver, however, with a bit too much zip for the runners.
Own goal — Spain 1-0 Italy (54th minute)
A hard cross from Nico Williams is redirected by Alvaro Morata and then Donnarumma before it’s put in the Italian net by the shin of Riccardo Calafiori.
An unlucky own goal for sure but Spain’s lead is still a deserved one.
A brutal own goal by Italy and Riccardo Calafiori 😬 pic.twitter.com/86QyWBo3PD
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 20, 2024
Halftime — Spain 0-0 Italy
Four saves for Gigi Donnarumma in a busy first half for the Italian backstop.
Italy has barely entered the Spanish final third, with a handful of touches in the box and just one shot attempt.
Spain, meanwhile, has turned 61% possesion into nine shot attempts and a 0.85 xG.
Italy boss Luciano Spalletti has some things to figure out in the second half!
Rodri yellow
Spain won’t have Manchester City star against Rodri for the final group game against Albania following a yellow card.
La Furia Roja looking like their nickname
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s been busy early, as Fabian Ruiz blazes over the Italy goal and Spain have the first five shot attempts of the game.
All gas no brakes
The occasion is not too big for either side, as this is 1000 mph — or kmph — from the opening bell.
Spain should be ahead through Nico Williams but Italy’s been let off the hook for now.
Spain lineup
Simon, Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella, Pedri, Rodrigo, Fabian, Yamal, Morata, Nico Williams
Italy lineup
Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco, Jorginho, Barella, Chiesa, Frattesi, Pellegrini, Scamucca
Spain team news, focus
Fabian Ruiz had a goal and an assist in Spain’s win over Croatia and young Lamine Yamal impressed in attack. If the Spaniards are to control the game, it will take big days from Ruiz, Pedri, and Rodri in the middle of the park.
Italy team news, focus
Italy will look to get joy out wide, as playmakers Federico Chiesa — presuming health — and Lorenzo Pellegrini look to build on promising starts to their tournaments.
Spain vs Italy prediction
La Furia Roja and Gli Azzurri should be a midfield battle for the ages, but the finishing could leave something to be desired when the chances arrive for the forwards. While a goal-a-minute thriller would be nice, we’re expecting quite the opposite. Spain 1-1 Italy.
