Spain produced a dominant display in Gelsenkirchen to book their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024.
In the end, they could only score one goal to prove their dominance against Italy, thanks to an own goal from defender Riccardo Calafiori.
But this was a one-sided affair for Luis de la Fuente’s side and had it not been for heroic saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma, this would have been even more evident on the scoreboard.
For Spain, they have a host of good performances to reflect on, not least one of the performances of the tournament so far from one of their pacey wingers.
Here, Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT takes charge of the two teams…
Spain booked their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 after a dominant win over Italy
In the end they only won by one goal via an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori
SPAIN (4-3-3)
Unai Simon-6
Faced with a single shot on target and therefore very difficult to dominate the goalkeeper on a night when he could, like the rest of us, marvel at the genius of his teammates.
Marc Cucurella -7.5
Gary Neville claimed in the build-up to this tournament that the Chelsea defender was Spain’s weak link and a reason why they could not win the tournament. Well, this was a dominant and confident display that suggests otherwise. Brilliant performance.
Aymeric Laporte – 7
As with N’Golo Kante, it is truly a mystery why a player of this quality is spending peak years in the Saudi Pro League. Was a calming presence next to Le Normand and he limited Gianluca Scamacca to nothing.
Aymeric Laporte (right) put in a solid performance despite plying his trade in Saudi Arabia
Robin Le Normand-6.5
A rising star in the game, but he can be rash and gave away a few free-kicks in dangerous areas here, which will not have pleased his manager. The Real Sociedad centre-back is not afraid to be physical and now it is all about refining his interpretation of the game.
Dani Carvajal – 6.5
With Lorenzo Pellegrini and Federico Chiesa going down that evening, this may have been an easier task than the Real Madrid veteran expected. Knows the dark arts well and used his experience to slow this down when Italy felt like they were about to build some momentum.
Rodri-7
The ease with which he can manage a match is taken for granted, but Italy couldn’t get near the Spanish midfield and he was a big reason for that. Got a stupid booking in the final seconds of the first half and will now miss the final group match against Albania.
Fabian Ruiz – 7.5
What a player he is. Beautiful in the opening match against Croatia and this was another statement from the Paris Saint-Germain star. By the end of the night, he was spinning the heads of his markers – plural.
Fabian Ruiz was one of the best of this tournament and this was another brilliant performance
Pedri-7
Should have scored, but this was another display that reminded people why this player is going to establish himself as one of the best in the world at his position.
Nico Williams-8
One of the performances of the tournament so far. This was a magical display that was immediate and exciting and had the heads of the Italian defenders spinning. It was his cross that led to the opening goal, with the help of an Alvaro Morata header. He then hit a curling effort onto the crossbar, which would have been a goal that deserved this exciting display. MOTM.
Alvaro Morata-6
He felt too comfortable moving wide in the early stages, having to maintain his poacher’s instincts to stay inside the posts. It was his header near the post that led to the opening goal and he was unlucky not to have another assist to his name earlier in the match.
Lamine Yamal – 6.5
The fearlessness with which this 16-year-old is a frightening prospect for years to come. He almost produced one of the goals of the tournament when he narrowly missed the top corner with a curling effort in the second half.
COACH: Luis de la Fuente-7
They came into this tournament with few expectations given the youthful nature of this group, but he manages to put players in positions where they can maximize their skills. Take note, Gareth Southgate.
Luis de la Fuente is successfully putting Spain’s young people in the best positions to succeed
SUBS
Alex Baena (for Pedri, 71) – 6.5
Ferran Torres (for Lamine Yamal, 71) – 6
Ayoze Perez (for Alvaro Morata, 78) – 6.5
Mikel Oyarzabal (for Nico Williams, 78) – 6
Mikel Merino (for Fabian Ruiz, 90+4)
ITALY (4-3-3)
Gianluigi Donnarumma-7
Was in disbelief when he was shown a yellow card for dissent, despite being allowed to speak to the referee in his role as captain. Made a number of crucial stops in the first half as Spain peppered their goal, but could do little more for the opening goal.
Federico Dimarco-6
Was the better of the two Italian full-backs that evening, because he was able to make things difficult for 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. However, it gave Spain little to think about, and that needs to change.
Riccardo Calafiori-6
He barely had a moment to react when the ball shot in via his knee and gave Spain a deserved lead. Alvaro Morata’s header was tipped by Donnarumma and it was in before Calafiori even knew the ball was at his feet.
Alessandro Bastoni-6.5
Provided a good jousting partner in his battle with Alvaro Morata and made some key interceptions as Italy found themselves down. The 25-year-old has the skills that should see him as a man in demand among England’s elite in the coming years.
Alessandro Bastoni (back) was one of the few bright spots on a difficult evening for Italy
Giovanni di Lorenzo-5.5
A long, long evening for the 30-year-old. He was completely dominated by Nico Williams here and he was turned inside out with some ease for Williams’ cross that produced the opening goal. Will be an easy target if Italy progress much further in this tournament.
Jorginho-6
Crocheted during half time. It was tough for the Arsenal man in the 45 minutes he was on the pitch, with Spain dominating in midfield thanks to the brilliance of Fabian Ruiz, Rodri and Pedri. Played his part in ensuring Italy had enough discipline to remain at 0-0 at half time.
Nicolo Barella-6.5
He was writhing in pain early in this match after a nasty blow from Le Normand, and then struggled to grab the game by the scruff of the neck. Technically sublime when he gets on the ball, but this was a night where he and his teammates suffocated as soon as they set foot in the Spanish half.
Davide Frattesi – 5.5
A largely peripheral figure in a first half that was grueling for the Italian players, who spent most of the time running after the red shirts. Was part of a double substitution at half-time as Luciano Spalletti desperately tried to turn the tide.
Davide Frattesi left a lot to be desired and it was no shock to see him hooked on half-time
Lorenzo Pellegrini-6
On a night when Italy controlled 42 percent of the ball, service to the frontmen was limited to say the least. It seemed like he was consumed by the game as his influence quickly diminished.
Gianluca Scamacca-5
In reality, virtually nothing offered. Many expect Italy’s lack of a razor-sharp striker will prevent them from retaining their title and based on this evidence, that theory carries a lot of weight.
Federico Chiesa-5.5
Largely anonymous, which won’t work given his obvious talent. It was a frustrating display that perhaps explained why Juventus seemed willing to move on from the winger this summer. Booked.
BUS: Luciano Spalletti – 6
Made many substitutions and dared to make a double substitution during half time. But in reality he was taken out that night and you don’t often say that in an Italian team. There is still everything to play for to make progress and from there a steep improvement was needed.
SUBS
Bryan Cristante (for Davide Frattesi, 46) – 5
Andrea Cambiaso (for Jorginho, 46) – 5
Mattia Zaccagni (for Federico Chiesa, 64) – 6
Mateo Retegui (for Gianluca Scamacca, 64) – 6
Giacamo Raspadori (for Lorenzo Pellegrini, 82)