Spain v Italy LIVE: Result and reaction as Nico Williams skill forces own goal winner in Euro 2024 clash
Spain 1-0 Italy: Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal sends Spain into the knockout rounds
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal handed Spain a 1-0 victory over defending champions Italy as they booked their place in the last 16 at Euro 2024.
The defender’s misfortune 10 minutes after the break ultimately settled the Group B contest in Gelsenkirchen, although had it not been for the heroics of keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made a string of fine saves, and the crossbar, which denied the impressive Nico Williams a deserved goal, the Spaniards would have prevailed in some comfort.
Spain would have been ahead within two minutes had Donnarumma not managed to tip Pedri’s header from Williams’ pinpoint cross over his bar, and the traffic was very much one-way throughout most of the game.
Relive the updates from Spain v Italy below.
Spain 1-0 Italy
76 mins: There’ll come a time that Spain start to consider holding onto this lead and securing the points. Italy have been the better, more proactive time over the last 10 minutes or so.
Donnarumma overhits a pass and Williams nicks back possession. Spain decide to keep hold of the hold instead of overcommitting men up the pitch.
Spain 1-0 Italy
73 mins: Robin Le Normand gives up a free kick just outside his own penalty area and this is a real chance for Italy to strike back. Lorenzo Pellegrini has the ball at his feet for this set piece.
He lines up a shot and lifts it over the wall. Unai Simon has it covered and watches as the floaty effort goes over the top.
Spain 1-0 Italy
70 mins: 20 minutes to go in this one with Italy starting to make things click. They haven’t been great inside the final third as Barella looks to feed in Dimarco who is just offside.
Woodwork!
At the other end of the pitch Cucurella feeds the ball up to Williams who dances onto his right foot and laces a right-footed shot onto the crossbar.
Spain 1-0 Italy
67 mins: Italy are having a good period on the ball before Cristante lifts a long ball forward and gives it away to Unai Simon. They’ll need a bit more patience if they want to get back into this match.
Spain 1-0 Italy
64 mins: More changes for Italy. Federico Chiesa and Gianluca Scamacca are hooked with Mattia Zaccagni and Mateo Retegui brought on in their place.
Can the substitutes ignite a bit of urgency into Italy’s play?
Spain 1-0 Italy
61 mins: Close!
Lamine Yamal brings the ball inside from the left wing and plays a nice short give-and-go with Fabian Ruiz to set up a better angle to shoot.
When the shot comes Yamal curls one towards the back post and just sends it wide!
Spain 1-0 Italy
58 mins: Italy are going to have to change things up now. They’ve been the second best team in this match but Spain haven’t been able to get away from them and the goal was a stroke of luck.
If Italy can get back on level terms they’ll be hard to beat again.
Morata strikes one from range but Donnarumma makes a comfortable save.
GOAL! Spain 1-0 Italy (Calafiori OG, 55’)⚽️
55 mins: There’s the opener!
Spain sweep down the left wing through Williams who flicks a cross into the box. Morata is on hand to nod the ball at goal where Donnarumma pushes the ball on.
There’s no time for Calafiori to react as the deflected ball strikes his leg and bounces into the back of the net.
The deadlock is broken.
Spain 0-0 Italy
54 mins: Close!
Marc Cucurella makes an underlapping run into the box and is fed the ball by Nico Williams. Cucurella pulls it back and expertly picks out Pedri who sidefoots his shot wide of the nearest post!
How’s he missed the target there?
Spain 0-0 Italy
51 mins: As expected Spain have picked up where they left off. Controlling possession, forcing Italy deep and looking to score. Gianluca Scamacca recovers possession and drives the Italians forward from the halfway line.
Federico Chiesa sprints forward to help out but Unai Simon is sharply off his line to close down the forward and end the attack.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments