Spain wins classic and guarantees its place in the round of 16 of the European Cup

This Thursday (20), Spain beat Italy 1-0 in a match valid for the second round of the group stage of the European Championship. With the victory, the Spanish have six points and guaranteed first place in group B. The Italians will have a direct confrontation against the Croatians to decide who will be in second place. Albania is on the outside but will have the difficult task of beating Spain to reach the next stage.

First time

Spain were superior during the first 45 minutes. With their well-known playing style, with lots of ball possession and passing, the Fury had their first big opportunity, just a minute in, after Pedri crossed, forcing Donnarumma to make a great save. Italy set out to defend and come out on counterattacks, with quick transitions, which did not happen due to the strong marking that the Spanish made after losing possession of the ball. Spain created opportunities in every way, in the ninth minute, Niko Willians headed from the small area and narrowly missed opening the scoring. At 23, it was Morata's turn, after Yamal made a great move, the ball fell to 7, who spun on the defender and finished, to a good save by Donnarumma. A minute later Fabian Ruiz hit a beautiful shot from outside the area that the Italian saved with his fingertips. The Azzurri managed their only shot in the 45th minute, with Chiesa, but he got the ball poorly and sent it over the goal.

_{Niko Williams was Spain's main player in the victory over Italy (Photo: reproduction/instagram@sefutbol)}

Final step

Spain returned for the second half bombarding the Italians. After 15 minutes, the Spanish had already created 4 clear scoring chances, in addition to opening the scoring with an own goal from Calafiori, after a cross from Yamal. At 20 minutes, after Cristante's cross, the ball crossed the small area, scaring Simón. The Spanish response came soon after, Niko Willians finished from the edge of the area and hit the crossbar. By winning the match, fury managed the result, and slowed down the pace of the match. In the final stretch, Italy launched an attack in search of a draw, the current European champion kept the ball but posed no threat to the Spanish goal. And the score wasn't greater thanks to goalkeeper Donnarumma, who performed two miracles in stoppage time. With the victory, Spain guarantees qualification for the round of 16.

Featured photo: Spain wins the second round and qualifies one round in advance. (Reproduction/Instagram@sefutbol)