Spain Triumphs Over Italy 1-0: Calafiori’s Own Goal Clinches Group B Victory for the Spectacular Spanish Team

Riccardo Calafiori unintentionally netted an own goal, handing Spain a 1-0 triumph over Italy in their second outing at Euro 2024, thus cementing their leadership in Group B.

Spain’s victory, following a resounding 3-0 win against Croatia, showcased their dominance, though they should have clinched a wider victory margin in Gelsenkirchen.

Despite Gianluigi Donnarumma’s stellar goalkeeping and Pedri’s squandered opportunities, early second half saw Calafiori’s mishap give Spain the lead.

Post-goal, Luciano Spalletti’s squad barely retaliated, now they must dodge a defeat against Croatia to progress.

Spain, now secure, can shuffle their lineup against Albania, saving strength for the upcoming knockout against a third-ranked team.

Nico Williams set Pedri, who shot directly at Donarumma, also missing another golden chance created by Alvaro Morata. They pushed relentlessly, yet Donnarumma was unyielding, blocking multiple close attempts.

Seven minutes into the second act, Spain’s best opportunity sprang up; Marc Cucurella forwarded to Pedri who bungled his shot from close range. Spain’s breakthrough came shortly after, following a deflected header from Morata courtesy of Calafiori.

Lamine Yamal nearly scored from distance, then Williams dazzled with a run that nearly broke the crossbar.

Spain suppressed Italy till the end, Donnarumma thwarting Ayoze Perez’s last-gasp attempt.

Italy Show Weakness

Many envisaged a balanced clash between the two strategic sides; instead, Spain dominated. Italy managed a solitary effort in the first half via Federico Chiesa and a direct but weak head from Bryan Cristante near the end.

Italy’s total attempts summed to a meager 0.22 expected goals (xG), contrasting Spain’s 1.9 xG from 20 endeavors.

Calafiori’s own goal marked a dismal historic moment for Italy, shadowing their triumphant past on German turf in 2006.

Own goals by opponents have indeed often favored Spain, tying them with France for the highest such scores in Euros history.

Williams Ignites Spain’s Fire

Although Lamine Yamal was lauded in the win over Croatia, Williams stole the show against Italy. His exit in the 78th minute concluded a performance where he led in chance creation, dribbles, and invasion into the opposition’s territory.

Involved in the crucial goal and narrowly missing his name on the score sheet, Williams’s vibrance was unmistakable on the field.