Spain seal knockouts spot after 1-0 win over toothless Italy

Gelsenkirchen: Spain claimed first place in Euro 2024 Group B, and a spot in the round of 16, with a narrow 1-0 but dominant win over Italy late on Thursday night (as per IST) at the Arena AufSchalke, thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal early in the second half.

Italy faced an early scare when Nico Williams’ skillful play on the left wing set up a header for Pedri. However, Gianluigi Donnarumma made a spectacular save, tipping the ball over the bar.

Williams himself missed an even better opportunity in the tenth minute, sending a header wide while unmarked in front of goal. Spain continued to press, forcing Donnarumma into action again to block Alvaro Morata’s angled shot. The Italian keeper then made a quick dive to his left to tip over a long-range effort from Fabián Ruiz, who later had another shot blocked by Alessandro Bastoni.