PLAYER RATINGS: Which Premier League star proved his critics flawed?

Spain produced a dominant display in Gelsenkirchen to book their place in the last-16 of Euro 2024.

In the end they only had one goal to show for their dominance against Italy, which came courtesy of an own goal from defender Riccardo Calafiori. 

But this was a one-sided affair for Luis de la Fuente’s side and were it not for some heroic saves by Gianluigi Donnarumma this would have been even more stark on the scoreboard.

For Spain they are left to reflect on a host of good performances, not least one of the displays of the tournament so far by one of their speedy wingers. 

Here, Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT runs the rule over the two teams… 

SPAIN (4-3-3)

Unai Simon – 6

Faced a single shot on target and so very difficult to run the rule over the goalkeeper on a night where he got to marvel at his team-mates’ genius like the rest of us.

Marc Cucurella – 7.5

Gary Neville claimed in the lead up to this tournament that the Chelsea defender was Spain’s weak link and a reason why they could not win the tournament. Well, this was a dominant and confident display that suggests otherwise. Brilliant performance.

Aymeric Laporte – 7

Much like with N’Golo Kante, it is a real head-scratcher why a player of this quality is spending prime years playing in the Saudi Pro League. Was a calming presence next to Le Normand and he restricted Gianluca Scamacca to nothing.

Robin Le Normand – 6.5

A rising star in the game but he can be rash and did give some free-kicks away in dangerous areas here which won’t have pleased his manager. The Real Sociedad centre back is not afraid to be physical and now it’s about refining his reading of the game.

Dani Carvajal – 6.5

With Lorenzo Pellegrini and Federico Chiesa falling flat on the night, this was perhaps an easier assignment than the Real Madrid veteran may have anticipated. Knows the dark arts well and used his experience to slow this down when Italy felt like they were on the cusp of building some momentum.

Rodri – 7

The ease at which he can run a game has become taken for granted but Italy couldn’t get near Spain’s midfield and he was a large reason why. Picked up a silly booking in the final seconds of the first half and will now miss final group game against Albania. Booked.

Fabian Ruiz – 7.5

What a player he is. Magnificent in the opening game against Croatia and this was another statement display from the Paris Saint-Germain star. By the end of the night he had his markers – plural – heads spinning.

Pedri – 7

Really should have scored but this was another display that reminded folk just why this player is going to establish himself as one of the world’s best in his position.

Nico Williams – 8

One of the performances of the tournament so far. This was a magical display that was direct, exciting and had Italian defenders heads’ spinning. It was his cross that, with the help of an Alvaro Morata header, led to the opening goal. He then smashed a curling effort onto the crossbar which would have been a goal this thrilling display deserved. MOTM.

Alvaro Morata – 6

Was too comfortable drifting out wide in the early stages when he needs to retain his poacher’s instinct to stay within the posts. It was his near-post header which helped lead to the opening goal and he was unfortunate not to have another assist to his name earlier in the contest. 

Lamine Yamal – 6.5

The fearlessness with which this 16-year-old is a frightening prospect for years to come. Almost produced one of the goals of the tournament when he narrowly missed the top corner with a curling effort in the second half. 

COACH: Luis de la Fuente – 7

They arrived at this tournament with little expectation given the youthful nature of this group but he is managing to put players in positions to maximise their skill-sets. Take note, Gareth Southgate. 

SUBS

Alex Baena (for Pedri, 71) – 6.5

Ferran Torres (for Lamine Yamal, 71) – 6

Ayoze Perez (for Alvaro Morata, 78) – 6.5

Mikel Oyarzabal (for Nico Williams, 78) – 6 

Mikel Merino (for Fabian Ruiz, 90+4)

ITALY (4-3-3)

Gianluigi Donnarumma – 7

Was incredulous when he was booked for dissent, despite being allowed to speak to the referee in his role as captain. Made a number of crucial stops in the first half when Spain peppered his goal but there was little more he could do for the opening goal.

Federico Dimarco – 6

Was the better of the two Italian full-backs on the night in that he was at least able to make life hard for 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. Offered little for Spain to think about at the other end, though, and that needs to change.

Riccardo Calafiori – 6

Hardly had a moment to react before the ball cannoned in off his knee to give Spain a deserved lead. Alvaro Morata’s header was tipped by Donnarumma and it was in before Calafiori even knew it was at his feet.

Alessandro Bastoni – 6.5

Provided a good jousting partner in his battle with Alvaro Morata and made a number of key interceptions when Italy found themselves under the cosh. The 25-year-old has the skillset that should see him as a man in real demand among England’s elite in the coming years.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 5.5

A long, long evening for the 30-year-old. He was totally dominated here by Nico Williams and he was turned inside out with some ease for Williams’ cross to tee up the opening goal. Will become an easy target if Italy progress much further in this tournament.

Jorginho – 6

Hooked at half-time. It was tough going for the Arsenal man in the 45 minutes he was on the pitch as Spain dominated in midfield through the brilliance of Fabian Ruiz, Rodri and Pedri. Played his part at making sure Italy were disciplined enough to remain at 0-0 at the break.

Nicolo Barella – 6.5

Was left writhing in pain early in this contest after a nasty whack from Le Normand, and thereafter he struggled to take the game by the scruff of its neck. Technically sublime when he gets on the ball but this was a night where he and his team-mates found themselves suffocated as soon as they set foot in Spain’s half.

Davide Frattesi – 5.5

A largely peripheral figure in a first half which was gruelling for Italy’s players, who spent most of the time running after darting red shirts. Was part of a double change at the break as Luciano Spalletti desperately tried to stem the tide.

Lorenzo Pellegrini – 6

On a night where Italy had 42 per cent of the ball, service into the frontmen was limited to say the least. Seemed to get swallowed up by the game as his influence waned – quickly.

Gianluca Scamacca – 5

Offered next to nothing in truth. Italy’s lack of a razor sharp striker is what many expect to hold them back from retaining their title and on this evidence, that theory has plenty of weight behind it. 

Federico Chiesa – 5.5

Largely anonymous which won’t do given his obvious talent. It was a frustrating display that perhaps explained why Juventus seem willing to move on from the winger this summer. Booked.

COACH: Luciano Spalletti – 6

Made plenty of changes and was bold to make a double substitution at half-time. But, in truth, he got out-coached on the night and you don’t say that too often with an Italy team. Still all to play for to progress and from there, a steep improvement needed. 

SUBS

Bryan Cristante (for Davide Frattesi, 46) – 5

Andrea Cambiaso (for Jorginho, 46) – 5

Mattia Zaccagni (for Federico Chiesa, 64) – 6

Mateo Retegui (for Gianluca Scamacca, 64) – 6

Giacamo Raspadori (for Lorenzo Pellegrini, 82)