EURO 2024
Spain join Germany in last 16 with Italy win
Spain secured their place in the UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16, thanks to a deserved 1-0 win over holders Italy in Gelsenkirchen.
Spain 1-0 Italy
Goals: 1-0 Riccardo Calafiori (o.g. 55')
Spain brushed aside Croatia on Matchday 1, and almost got off to a dream start in Gelsenkirchen as a Pedri header drew a fine save from Gianluigi Donnarumma. Nico Williams flashed a header wide soon after, while Donnarumma had to be at his best to keep out testing efforts from Álvaro Morata and Fabián Ruiz. Spain failed to take another presentable chance after the restart as Pedri steered Marc Cucurella's cut-back wide. However, Italy's defence was finally breached in the 55th minute, when Williams' cross was flicked on by Morata, touched on by Donnarumma and inadvertently turned in by Riccardo Calafiori. Andrea Cambiaso cleared a Robin Le Normand header off the line moments later, before Lamine Yamal curled agonisingly past the upright from range. With Bundesliga duo Alejandro Grimaldo and Dani Olmo watching on from the bench, the electric Williams rattled the crossbar. Italy huffed and puffed in the closing stages, but failed to seriously trouble a Spain team now confirmed as Group B winners with a game to spare.