Euro 2024: Italy beaten by Spain

Defeat for Italy on matchday two in Group B at Euro 2024. After winning their opener against Albania, Luciano Spalletti's Azzurri faced Spain in a battle for top spot. The match was played at the AufSchalke Arena in Gelsenkirchen and ended 1-0 for the Spaniards. It was an intense match, where Spain controlled possession of the ball, dictating the pace of the game. Italy tried in every way to worry their opponents by trying to strike on the counter. However, the match was decided by Calafiori's unfortunate own goal in the 55th minute. Four Inter players were selected by coach Spalletti from the start: Nicolò Barella, Alessandro Bastoni, Federico Dimarco and Davide Frattesi. The latter was replaced by Cristante at half time, while Barella, Bastoni and Dimarco played the full 90 minutes. With this win, Spain secure first place in Group B and qualify for the round of 16. Italy, with three points, will face Croatia, in fourth place with one point (like Albania, ahead of the Croatians on goal difference), on Monday 24 June in their final group game.