Spain have qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2024 after overcoming defending champions Italy 1-0 in Gelsenkirchen.
They created countless chances and were utterly dominant but won by a narrow scoreline thanks to an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori in the second half.
After being kept at bay by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for almost an hour, Alvaro Morata’s flick-on was poked in by the knee of the unfortunate Calafiori.
There was no response from Italy, who were comfortably second best, despite playing their part in a captivating match.
Two European giants meeting in the group stage of the tournament meant there were high hopes and it lived up to its billing with an electric opening half.
Italy still have a chance of progressing. They face Croatia on Monday – a nation that has finished in the top three of the past two World Cups – while Spain take on Albania.
Italy still have work to do to reach the knockout stages but their narrow victory over Albania means they have three valuable points on the board and the defence of their title is not yet over.
Euro 24: Spain Beat Italy, Secure Last Sixteen Spot
