NOS Voetbal•gisteren, 22:55
View the abstract of Spain – Italy
Spain turned nice area play in opposition to Italy right into a minimal victory on Thursday night. In Gelsenkirchen, the Spaniards had been a lot too good for the Italians, particularly within the first half. Riccardo Calafiori scored an personal objective and unintentionally determined the sport: 1-0.
With the victory, Spain is assured of a bunch win. Italy wants not less than a draw in opposition to Croatia subsequent Monday to ensure a spot within the knockout part.
NOS
Shortly after the World Cup in Qatar, Spain was fully sick of their very own knitting. Then-national coach Luis Enrique typically deployed two midfielders within the entrance line and allowed his crew to proceed combining for a very long time. His successor Luis de la Fuente put an finish to that. He performs with three pure attackers: the explosive Nico Williams, the goal-oriented Álvaro Morata and the artistic Lamine Yamal.
Within the first European Championship match, this modified strategy to the sport already paid off, as a result of the Spaniards created likelihood after likelihood, particularly within the first half in opposition to Croatia. Opponent Italy gained narrowly in opposition to Albania, however performed fairly good soccer for giant elements of the match.
However within the first half Spain was fully in management. Italy was even blown away in phases, particularly by the fast Williams. He gave proper again Giovanni Di Lorenzo a dramatic first half and twice got here very near scoring (with a header and a shot). Williams, who additionally performed on the World Cup in Qatar, has turn out to be probably the greatest attackers in La Liga at Athletic Membership. A number of high golf equipment wish to take him over this summer time.
The statistics at halftime had been telling: Spain shot 9 instances, Italy solely as soon as.
Unstoppable
Luciano Spalletti made two substitutions through the break to show the tide. Spain additionally turned out to be unable to deal with these new gamers. 5 minutes after the break, Pedri missed an amazing likelihood, however 5 minutes later he scored. Williams as soon as once more handed a person, handed and noticed Riccardo Calafiori put the ball into his personal objective.
Spain lastly takes the lead in opposition to powerless Italy because of Calafiori’s personal objective
That objective boosted Spain’s already excessive self-confidence. Underneath the management of Rodri, Italy was shamed. The Spanish supporters teasingly accompanied each go with cheers.
Regardless of how nice the pressure majeure was, with a 1-0 deficit, Italy nonetheless secretly believed in it. Within the 66th minute it all of a sudden turned virtually 1-1, when a tough cross from the fitting was virtually walked in by substitute Mateo Retegui.
Italy then recovered barely, however this didn’t end in any new alternatives. Williams concluded his wonderful match with a tough shot in opposition to the crossbar. To the reduction of the Italians, he was subsequently changed.
Italy additionally fell quick within the last part. It was because of Gianluigi Donnarumma that Spain didn’t lengthen the rating.
