The lead: Spain send Italy back to the drawing board GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany -- A year in football is both an eternity and too brief of a moment in time to get an accurate picture of a player or team. Twelve months ago, in the semifinals, Roberto Mancini's lost to on an 88th-minute goal from after what had been a solid encounter. The were very much carrying on the form of their Euro 2021 triumph despite not making it to the 2022 World Cup.
On Thursday in Gelsenkirchen, the contrast between Italy and Spain couldn't be bigger. Now under the guidance of Luciano Spalletti, Italy were comprehensively beaten by vastly superior despite . After a controlling performance against to open the tournament, the European champions were totally off the pace in their second match.
Put off by the Spanish press and counterpress, Italy never looked comfortable. Their passing and ball movement were woeful. Just when Spalletti thought he had found the right balance in midfield with , , and , they were truly outclassed by , and , leaving the former boss little choice but to go back to the drawing board.
The lack of composure and organisation with the ball was striking, Jorginho telling off multiple teammates for losing the ball in dangerous areas. The pass accuracy of just 80% in the first half is an indication of how bad things were. Jorginho and Frattesi were replaced by and after just 45 minutes, shifting the into a 4-4-2 formation.
It didn't change anything as Italy were still second best and co.