Italy coach Luciano Spalletti admits there may be ‘a gulf’ between the reigning European Champions and their Group B conquerors Spain.
Whereas a 55th minute own-goal from Riccardo Califiori was the one factor to separate the perimeters, Spain spurned a glut of probabilities whereas the woodwork, and Gianluca Donnarumma got here to Italy’s rescue on quite a few events.
True ardour 💚🤍❤️#EURO2024 | #ESPITA pic.twitter.com/jAc31PpkhC
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 20, 2024
The outcome left Spain going by means of to the Spherical of 16 as group winners whereas Italy face the prospect of going out within the group stage ought to they lose to Croatia in Monday night time’s conflict in Leipzig.
Spalletti, overseeing his first match lower than a 12 months after succeeding Roberto Mancini, informed uefa.com: “There was an excessive amount of of a gulf. They precipitated us extra issues than the scoreline suggests, let’s not beat across the bush.”
He added: “We had been too frantic, significantly enjoying the ball excessive of their defence. Once we received the ball again, we struggled to maintain possession; once they received the ball again, we struggled to get it again.
“We struggled with their counter-press however we additionally made some easy errors on some easy passes, and you may’t afford to do this.”
Spalletti admitted he would love his gamers to have the ability to carry out as Spain did, saying they’re the usual in fashionable soccer at current.
“Everybody would love to repeat Spain by way of the best way they play,” he stated. “They’ve been enjoying the perfect soccer for the longest time now.
“I must attempt to achieve making my gamers conscious of how necessary this kind of match is, as a result of in the event you sit very deep in opposition to groups like this, in the end it turns into very tough.
“We wanted to maintain possession like now we have achieved in our earlier matches. We wanted to maintain the ball and attempt to play. That’s the one approach to play.”
The previous Napoli boss bemoaned his facet’s sluggish efficiency, including: “That’s the principle motive this occurred. We wanted to type issues out however the principle motive we struggled is as a result of we had been sluggish.
“Spain had been a crew tonight and we weren’t capable of be a crew. They deserved to win, we had been by no means within the recreation in addition to the ultimate 20 minutes.
“If plenty of gamers aren’t on the prime of their recreation, it turns into tougher. Because it was, we allowed Spain to fully dominate proceedings, and to take action fairly comfortably.”
Spain qualify as Group B winners 🔝#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/ViL2lEAGkt
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 20, 2024
