Calafiori own-goal sends Spain into Euro 2024 knockouts

A slick Spain side produced a dominant display to complete a glorious 1-0 victory over defending European champions Italy in winning Euro 2024 Group B with a game to spare.

The decisive goal in a one-sided affair in Gelsenkirchen saw the unfortunate Italian central defender Riccardo Calafiori turn the ball into his own net on 55 minutes from a cross by the outstanding Nico Williams.

Luis de la Fuente’s men should have won by more after passing up several chances with Williams also hitting the bar, but at least know their final group match with Albania on Monday has no added pressure after following up their 3-0 win over Croatia with another eye-catching display.

In contrast, an outclassed Italy team – who had inspired goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to thank for preventing a heavier defeat – will have to regroup quickly needing a draw against Croatia to ensure they earn second place in the section.

After filleting the reigning European champions, it is inevitable that comparisons will be made between this class of 2024 and the Spanish vintage that swept all before them at Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

Of course, they will have to deliver a major trophy to deserve any true comparison, but alongside hosts Germany, it is fair to say Spain have so far been the stand-out team at this tournament.

With outstanding creative width in the shape of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, they will surely fancy the task of going all the way this summer.

Tortmented Italy with the quality of his pace and poise out wide a real feature of a memorable victory for his side. Should really have scored as he headed wide from close range early on before hitting the bar in the second half, but adds so much menace in the final third. The finishing touch is perhaps the next step in his development.

Spain: Simon 6, Carvajal 7, Le Normand 7, Morata 7, Ruiz 7, Laporte 7, Rodri 7, Williams 9, Yamal 8, Pedri 8, Cucurella 8 Subs: Baena 6, Oyarzabal 6, Perez 6, Torres 6

Italy: Donnarumma 8, Di Lorenzo 5, Dimarco 5, Calafiori 5, Frattesi 5, Jorginho 5, Scamacca 5, Pellegrini 5, Chiesa 5, Barella 5, Bastoni 5 Subs: Cristante 6, Cambiaso 6, Retegui 6, Raspadori 6, Zaccagni 6

2′ ALMOST A DREAM START FOR SPAIN! Brilliant wing play by Williams to hit the byline. Gets the cross over with some real menace, but the header by Pedri is clawed over by Donnarumma. Superb save.

10′ SPAIN BLOW ANOTHER BRILLIANT CHANCE This time Morata throws over a delightful cross, but Williams somehow nods the ball wide of goal from five yards out. How did he miss that? Such a brilliant start by Williams, but should have a goal to go with it. Still 0-0.

53′ PEDRI SO CLOSE TO THE OPENER He knocks the ball wide from the cutback by Cucurella before Donnarumma is forced to make a solid stop from the shot down his throat.

55′ GOAL! (CALAFIORI) SPAIN 1-0 ITALY And Spain finally have the lead as Riccardo Calafiori turns the ball into his own net from the cross by Williams. Unfortunate. But can’t say they haven’t deserved it.

73′ WILLIAMS SO CLOSE TO THE SECOND Nico showing all his quality to send the ball crashing back off the bar after leaving Giovanni Di Lorenzo for dead. Williams has been superb for Spain tonight.