Italy coach Luciano Spalletti admits there’s ‘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 edges, 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 end result left Spain going by way 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 evening’s conflict in Leipzig.
Spalletti, overseeing his first event lower than a 12 months after succeeding Roberto Mancini, instructed uefa.com: “There was an excessive amount of of a gulf. They brought about us extra issues than the scoreline suggests, let’s not beat across the bush.”
He added: “We have been too frantic, notably taking part in 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 when it comes to the way in which they play,” he mentioned. “They’ve been taking part in the perfect soccer for the longest time now.
“I have to try to achieve making my gamers conscious of how vital this type of match is, as a result of when you sit very deep in opposition to groups like this, finally it turns into very tough.
“We would have liked to maintain possession like now we have finished in our earlier matches. We would have liked to maintain the ball and attempt to play. That’s the one strategy to play.”
The previous Napoli boss bemoaned his aspect’s sluggish efficiency, including: “That’s the principle purpose this occurred. We would have liked to type issues out however the principle purpose we struggled is as a result of we have been sluggish.
“Spain have been a workforce tonight and we weren’t capable of be a workforce. They deserved to win, we have been by no means within the recreation moreover the ultimate 20 minutes.
“If various gamers aren’t on the high of their recreation, it turns into harder. 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
