Euro 2024: Spain enter Round of 16 after topping group of death following 1-0 win vs Italy

On June 21 (Friday, local time), Spain booked a spot in the UEFA Euro 2024 Round of 16 aftera dominant 1-0 win over defending champions Italy on at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. With this win, the Spanish side also topped the group of death, also comprising Albania and Croatia. The victory showcased Spain'sruthless approach which posed several questions for the Lucinao Spalletti-managed defending champions. An own goal from defender Riccardo Calafori, in the55th minute, was the decisive moment of the game whichsealed Spain's spot in the upcoming round, and has led to an extended fight for the same for Italy.

Italy's miseries were evident from the fact thatthey had only taken two shots at the post, from which none amongst them were on target. They had no answers to Spain's consistent and brilliant attackinggame ofLuis de la Fuente's side.

From Spain, the likes of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Marc Cucurella werethe stand-out names, which saw the former two be a consistent threat to the Italy backline whereasCucurellawas the difference in the defence.

For Italy,goalkeeper and skipperGianluigi Donnarumma had an answer to all the shots targetted at the post,however, his side eventually gave in to Spain's attacking mode of play.

Despite a forgettable outcome, Italy can still join Spain in the Round of 16as long as they avoid a defeat in their next match against Croatia.The current champions have been left with more questions after their 1-0 loss at the hands of the Spanish side. It will be interesting to see how they regroup and strategise ahead of a crucial tie versus Luka Modric-starrer Croatia.