Italy coach Luciano Spalletti admits there may be ‘a gulf’ between the reigning European Champions and their Group B conquerors Spain.
Whereas a fifty fifth minute own-goal from Riccardo Califiori was the one factor to separate the edges, 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 outcome left Spain going by 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 yr after succeeding Roberto Mancini, informed 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, significantly taking part in the ball excessive of their defence. After we gained the ball again, we struggled to maintain possession; after they gained 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’ll’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 way in which they play,” he stated. “They’ve been taking part in the very best soccer for the longest time now.
“I have to attempt to achieve making my gamers conscious of how vital this type of match is, as a result of in case you sit very deep in opposition to groups like this, finally it turns into very troublesome.
“We wanted to maintain possession like we have now accomplished in our earlier matches. We wanted to maintain the ball and attempt to play. That’s the one option to play.”
The previous Napoli boss bemoaned his facet’s sluggish efficiency, including: “That’s the principle motive this occurred. We wanted to kind issues out however the principle motive we struggled is as a result of we have been sluggish.
“Spain have been a crew tonight and we weren’t capable of be a crew. They deserved to win, we have been by no means within the sport apart from the ultimate 20 minutes.
“If quite a few 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
