Spain Clinches Group B Victory Against Italy With Crucial Own Goal At Euro 2024

Spain secured the top spot in Group B at Euro 2024, thanks to Riccardo Calafiori's own goal, which handed them a 1-0 win over defending champions Italy. Following their 3-0 victory over Croatia, Luis de la Fuente's team delivered another dominant performance in Gelsenkirchen.

Despite Spain's control, excellent goalkeeping from Gianluigi Donnarumma and missed opportunities from Pedri kept the score level until early in the second half. Calafiori's own goal eventually broke the deadlock. Italy struggled to respond and now must avoid defeat against Croatia on Monday to ensure their place in the last 16.

Spain, meanwhile, can afford to rotate their squad against Albania on matchday three, ahead of facing a third-place finisher in the knockout stages.

Nico Williams set up Pedri for an early shot that was brilliantly saved by Donnarumma. Williams then missed a header when unmarked by Alvaro Morata. Spain continued to press but found Donnarumma in top form, denying Morata and tipping Fabian Ruiz's drive over the crossbar.

Seven minutes into the second half, Marc Cucurella squared for Pedri, who missed from eight yards out. Three minutes later, Spain finally scored when Donnarumma tipped Morata's header against Calafiori, resulting in an own goal.

Lamine Yamal went close with a curling effort, and Williams almost scored with a thunderous strike that hit the crossbar. Spain held Italy at bay and nearly added a second goal in stoppage time, but Donnarumma saved Ayoze Perez's one-on-one attempt.

Italy's Struggles

Many expected a competitive match between two high-pressing teams. However, Spain dominated, making it one of the most one-sided games of the tournament so far. Italy's first shot came from Federico Chiesa in first-half stoppage time, with their only shot on target arriving late in the game from Bryan Cristante.

Italy managed just four shots worth 0.22 expected goals (xG), while Spain registered 1.9 xG from 20 attempts. Calafiori's own goal marked him as the first Italian to score an own goal at the Euros and only the second at a major tournament since Cristian Zaccardo in the 2006 World Cup.

Williams Shines for Spain

Lamine Yamal took headlines for Spain against Croatia, becoming the youngest player to feature in a Euros match and providing an assist. Against Italy, it was Nico Williams who stood out. The 21-year-old led all players for chances created (four), dribbles attempted (11), completed dribbles (four), and touches in the opposition area (eight).

Williams played a crucial role in the build-up to Spain's goal and was unlucky not to score himself when he hit the woodwork.

The victory allows Spain to prepare for their next match with confidence, while Italy faces a crucial game against Croatia to secure their progression in Euro 2024.