Spain insists on Italy voluntarily scoring a goal in their match.
Sexy Spanish soccer players captivate, hassle, and control - but they don't manage to score. It's aggravating until an Italian unintentionally heads the ball into their own net. In a crucial group-stage match for first place, the Spaniards enthralled their young superstars, invaded the knockout stage - and could not be halted by Italy's EURO hero Gianluigi Donnarumma this time. The record European champion clinched their ticket for the K.O. round in front of King Felipe VI against the Azzurri with a 1:0 (0:0) victory.
Spain's young gunners spellbind their monarch, advance to the last 16 - and couldn't be restrained by Italy's EURO hero Gianluigi Donnarumma in their initial Euros encounter. Thanks to an own goal, the team led by coach Luciano Spalletti overcame the title holder in the "Clash of Europe" and became the second team, after the host Germany, to qualify for the knockout stage.
For a long time, the heavy favorite was left unsatisfied by Donnarumma, who celebrated as a penalty savior during Italy's title win three years ago and stood as the last line of defense in the semifinals for the Red Fury. Donnarumma dashed several excellent opportunities, until his own defender Riccardo Calafiori outsmarted him (55%). The team of coach Luciano Spalletti still has decent opportunities, even after their first loss in Group B. A draw on Monday (9 PM) against Croatia would be enough for them to progress.
In the "second living room" of soccer legend Raul at Schalke, the Spaniards commanded the game forcefully, yet repeatedly faltered against Donnarumma. After merely 90 seconds, the 25-year-old was challenged, as he saved a powerful header from Pedri with a strong reflex. Alvaro Morata and Fabian Ruiz also failed to score against Donnarumma (24% and 25%).
"We will remain loyal to our identity, we will play elegantly, but also be capable of eating dirt if necessary," Spalletti had declared, and emphasized the praise for the opponent: "They should not be underestimated." He had warned his team above all about the "force and intensity" of the Spanish at the outset. With the same starting lineup as in the 2:1 against Albania, the Azzurri found themselves immediately on defense.
Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente talked about the "Clash of Europe" and anticipated two similarly-behaving teams in the eight Euro duel of the titans. Looking at the Italians, it felt like looking "in the mirror." In place of the 3:0 against Croatia, he made one change: For Nacho, Aymeric Laporte came on.
Indeed, the systems mirrored each other. With the distinction that the Spaniards could combine more freely and aggressively with the ball than the Italians. "Long live Spain," chanted the 10,000 fans of the Red Fury, while the almost 30,000 Tifosi grew progressively quiet. Only after the goal did the title holder become more aggressive, but Spain continued to have the better opportunities: Nico Williams hit the post (70%). In stoppage time, Donnarumma saved twice against Ayoze Perez.
Different from the opening match of the English team against Serbia (1:0), where there was considerable criticism of the host city Gelsenkirchen and specifically the public transportation in the social networks, the atmosphere was remarkable before the kick-off: Both fan bases celebrated enthusiastically in the city, the Spaniards marched orderly to the arena. The police described the atmosphere as "peaceful and cheerful".
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Spain aims to secure their spot in the knockout stage of the European Football Championship 2024, as they face Italy in their next match. Despite their dominance in the game, they fail to score against Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian goalkeeper known for his heroics in previous European Championships.
In the end, the decisive moment comes from an own goal by an Italian defender, helping Spain claim a 1-0 victory and move one step closer to defending their European title in the Spanish-Italian edition of the tournament.
