Spain 1-0 Italy summary: score, goals, highlights | UEFA Euro 2024

Spain impress and comfortably progress

Just as the 3-0 scoreline against Croatia in the opening game somewhat flattered Spain, this 1-0 victory-thanks-to-an-own-goal does not tell the story. It could have been an embarrassing night for the Italians.

Luis de la Fuente has developed a potent squad, the substitutions today suggesting they have lots to offer when given a chance. And now that the team has secured a place in the last 16, as group winners, there can be several opportunities for rotation in the third match against Albania.

Rodri, Pedri, Williams, Yamal

Where do I begin? Rodri was his usual solid self. The press from across the entire team was cohesive and with purpose. Then there were the attacking stars.

Pedri oozes class and pops up all over the midfield to collect and create, finding gaps where the opposition least expects. The flanks were worked effectively by the exciting talents of Williams and Yamal. It can’t be fun defending against them. Both work so hard for the team, then drift into space to ensure they get the ball where they can make something happen. Morata through the middle always asks questions of the defence, and kept them occupied throughout.

But what struck me most, and I mentioned the William Cowper poem in my halftime musings, was the attacking variety that this Spanish team possess. How the only goal came from an Italian player is baffling. Three or four were inches off and should’ve have been scored. The same number were stopped by Donnarumma, who was his side’s best player.

Italy are a decent side and could have nicked a point, which would have been a travesty on the balance of play. Spain may well have picked up a few new admirers, and the bookies will no doubt reassess their own predictions for this tournament.