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 perimeters, Spain spurned a glut of possibilities 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, informed uefa.com: “There was an excessive amount of of a gulf. They triggered 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 trendy soccer at current.
“Everybody would love to repeat Spain when it comes to the best way they play,” he mentioned. “They’ve been taking part in one of the best soccer for the longest time now.
“I have to attempt to achieve making my gamers conscious of how necessary this form of match is, as a result of for those who sit very deep towards groups like this, in the end it turns into very tough.
“We wanted to maintain possession like we have now 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 aspect’s sluggish efficiency, including: “That’s the principle cause this occurred. We wanted to kind issues out however the principle cause 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 sport moreover the ultimate 20 minutes.
“If plenty of gamers aren’t on the high of their sport, 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
