Spain deservedly won, even if narrowly and due to an own goal. The final 1-0 does not convey the image of a one-sided match, dominated by the red furies, with Italy taking hits for 90 minutes. The distance in values on the pitch was clearly seen, both in the owners and in the changes made by the two coaches. Spain takes first place in the group, Italy will play for qualification with Croatia. A different attitude will be needed, but the most pressing need is to find tactical solutions to increase the quality of play which currently does not exist. Without Donnarumma and the many errors from the Spaniards the result would have been as round and clear as the other statistics of the match tell us.
The first half was marked by Spanish dominance. The red furies never leave the Italian half of the field, making themselves very dangerous after 80 seconds when a miracle from Donnarumma on Pedri is needed to avoid replicating the shock start seen against Albania. In the third minute Bastoni makes a mistake and gives Spain another golden opportunity. At minute nine Nico Williams is left alone in the area and misses a sensational header. Spain dominates the dribble and the game, Italy tries to restart but Scamacca is too slow in his choices to worry the Spanish defense. The opportunities for the Spaniards arrive at regular intervals: Fabian Ruiz in the 20th from 30 meters unleashes a powerful shot, another miracle from Donnarumma is needed. Most of the dangers come from the left with Nico Williams winning all the duels with Di Lorenzo.
Italy completes the first counterattack in the 46th minute, with Chiesa finishing off a good move badly with a shot to the stars. In the second half Spalletti changes, Cambiaso and Cristante come on for Jorginho and Frattesi. The situation of the Azzurri gets worse, if possible. Cristante was booked after 20 seconds, Spain further raised the line of dominance, with the Azzurri having difficulty leaving the penalty area. The score remains at 0-0 only due to the inaccuracy of the Spaniards who still waste huge opportunities with Rodri and Pedri. In the end Calafiori throws it into his own goal, who finds himself subjected to yet another save from Donnarumma following a header from Morata. The rest of the second half belongs entirely to Spain, apart from a few outbursts by Zaccagni who came in to attempt a comeback with Retegui and then Raspadori.
Spalletti’s solutions seem completely ineffective, the 5 substitutions still lead to a crossbar hit by the Spaniards who continue to control. Spain is stronger, wins with full merit and qualifies first in the group. Now Italy must concentrate on the next match, with an opponent within reach. It will be up to the coach to find solutions in the event of passage to the next round, to shorten the distance between this Italy and the other great teams in Europe.
