We are 'a great team' - Morata claims after defeating Italy to book last-16 spot

Spain demonstrated their superiority over defending champions Italy in a remarkable victory that secured their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024. The match ended with a 1-0 win for Spain, courtesy of Riccardo Calafiori's own goal, but the margin of victory could have been much greater.

From the very beginning, La Roja sought revenge for their elimination from Euro 2020 by dominating the Azzurri. Spain had a staggering 20 attempts on goal compared to Italy's mere four, which is the lowest number of attempts for Italy in a Euro or World Cup match since at least 1980.

Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, has instilled a sense of attacking freedom in his young team that even the immensely successful Spanish sides of 2008-2012 did not possess. This fearless approach was evident in their previous 3-0 victory over Croatia and continued against Italy, with wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal leading the charge.

Despite their relentless attacking play, Spain's finishing and the heroics of Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian goalkeeper, prevented the match from turning into a complete rout. Donnarumma made crucial saves, the woodwork came to Italy's rescue, and Spain's finishing was occasionally wayward.

Alvaro Morata, Spain's forward, expressed his satisfaction with the victory, stating that they are a formidable team that suffocates their opponents. He acknowledged the missed opportunities but emphasized the importance of securing three points and advancing to the next round.

Italy's usually solid defense struggled to contain Spain's relentless pressure, and Donnarumma had to make a spectacular save to deny Fabian Ruiz's long-range strike in the 25th minute. Italy's first attempt on goal didn't come until stoppage time in the first half, and Spain continued their dominance immediately after the break.

The initial Italian attempt did not occur until the first half's stoppage time, and the relentless pressure on coach Luciano Spalletti's team resumed immediately after the break.

In the 55th minute, the deadlock was finally broken when Williams delivered a cross from the left that deflected off Morata's head and Donnarumma's outstretched fingers before striking Calafiori's knee and finding the back of the net.

Spain continued to push forward, with Yamal narrowly missing the target with a powerful shot, followed by Williams curling another attempt onto the crossbar.

Regardless of the outcome of their final match in the opening phase against Albania on Monday, Spain will secure the top spot in Group B and face a third-placed team from another group in the round of 16.

Italy, on the other hand, must avoid defeat in their last group game against Croatia in order to ensure qualification.

Spalletti, who assumed the role of Italy's manager in September, expressed disagreement before the game with claims that Spain possessed a superior attacking prowess. However, by the time the final whistle blew, he acknowledged the evident disparity.

"They were significantly stronger than us and deserved the victory," he stated in an interview with Italian television. "When the legs fail, character and personality become inconsequential."