Three-time winner Spain totally dominated the Group B game at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, with 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal further enhancing his reputation as one of football’s most exciting young stars with an outstanding performance.
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma kept the score down with a string of fine saves until inadvertently pushing the ball into the legs of Calafiori, who couldn’t prevent it from ricocheting into his own goal.
It was a statement performance from Spain in a meeting of two giants of international football, having won 10 major titles combined.
Having failed to dominate possession for the first time in 136 competitive games in its win against Croatia, Spain was back to its old ways in starving Italy of the ball and dictating play in a largely lopsided game.
Chances came thick and fast in the first half, with Donnarumma pulling off a string of saves to keep Spain at bay.
For all of Spain’s dominance, it took Calafiori’s own goal to break the deadlock after halftime.
Donnarumma pushed Alvaro Morata’s glancing header into the legs of Calafiori, who could only watch as the ball ricocheted into the back of the net.
Nico Williams was millimetres away from extending the lead with a curling shot that hit crossbar.
England drew 1-1 with Denmark in Group C after Harry Kane scored and then made a mistake that led to the Danes’ leveler. Kane struck a record-extending 64th goal for his country to fire England ahead in Frankfurt. But his loose pass then allowed Morten Hjulmand to equalize from long range.
In the other Group C game, Luka Jovic scored in stoppage time to salvage a 1-1 for Serbia against Slovenia.
England leads the group on four points and is likely to advance to the round of 16.
Spain v Italy team news
— Spain defender Aymeric Laporte has resumed training following a muscular issue, leaving coach Luis de la Fuente to declare a fully fit squad for the game.
— Italian media has speculated about Spalletti making changes ahead of the Spain game and the potential for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante to be brought into his starting line up.
Spain v Italy - By the numbers
— This is the fifth Euros in a row that Spain and Italy have met, with two wins each going into Thursday’s match.
— With 46% of possession against Croatia, Spain failed to dominate the ball for the first time in 136 competitive games.
— Italy is going for a record-equalling third European Championship title. Spain and Germany have also won three titles. Italy could also become only the second team to win back-to-back Euros after Spain in 2008 and 2012.
— At 16 years, 338 days, Spain’s Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to appear at a European Championship in his team’s 3-0 win over Croatia.
What they’re saying
“Spain vs Italy is a classic game, it could very easily be the final. They (Italy) have great players, a great coach, and a real football culture. They’re one of the great national teams.” — Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.
“It’s one of the most important matches of my career; I’ve already been through some important games but this is right up there. This is one of those matches that could give the players a tale to tell in the future.” — Italy coach Luciano Spalletti.
“Right now Spain, are better than us in terms of individual players. We will have to bring the Italian spirit into play; we will need to struggle together.” — Italy midfielder Davide Frattesi.
“I remember a friendly against Portugal before the last Euro and there was a part of the fanbase who weren’t happy and whistled us.... Now we, the media and the fans all share a lot of pride and ambition in what we’re doing. We’re all rowing in the same direction.” — Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon.
