Imperious Spain sweep to summit

Nervy opening
After a nervy opening where both sides looked somewhat overawed by the occasion, the Spaniards dominated the match with their characteristic short-passing game and technical excellence. The first major Spanish attack came in the 15th minute when a long pass from Cases fell for César whose shot deflected off an Italian defender for a corner.

Penalty appeal
The Italians launched a counterattack soon after which ended in an appeal for a penalty being turned down after Nicola Pozzi fell in the box. The decision appeared to dishearten Antonio Rocca's side and thereafter Juan Santisteban's youngsters took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Menacing form
With Silva and Cases in particularly menacing form, Spain strung together a series of impressive moves and finally took the lead in the 28th minute when the Italian goalkeeper Fabio Virgili failed to spot Cases lurking nearby and then saw his goal kick blocked by the alert Spaniard who knocked the ball into the unguarded net.

Xisco goal
Seven minutes later Spain were 2-0 ahead after Cases's cross from the left wing reached César whose cross-shot found Xisco who nudged his side's second goal from close range. In the second half Italy tried to stage a rally and succeeded in tightening up at the back and appearing more energetic up front. In the 68th minute they almost snatched a goal back when Giuseppe Rossi's free-kick forced goalkeeper Adán to push the ball wide one-handed at full stretch.

Spain galvanised
That close escape galvanised Spain, with David collecting yet another left-wing cross and forcing a good save out of Virgili in the 70th minute and Jurado volleying over the crossbar after a smart pass from David. In added time at the end of the game Italy went close to scoring a consolation goal only for Leonardo Formichetti's shot to be blocked well by Adán.

Italy need win
The result means that Spain now lead Group B on goal difference from England and will go into Friday's game against Israel knowing that a semi-final place is at their mercy. As for Italy, they must beat the English in two days' time to revive their last-four hopes.