Easing into the knockouts, Spain offer a tantalising alternative

How far can De la Fuente's men go? We can’t yet say but we do know it will be worth the watch. Two games, two wins, four scored, none conceded and plenty of other numbers looking good for La Roja

Italy keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma challenges Aymeric Laporte and Rodri of Spain during their Euro 2024 tie at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen. Pic Lars Baron/Getty Images

Euro 2024: Spain 1 Italy 0.

A performance that would have demanded notice no matter where it took place. That Spain came to the German capital of gridlock and found the most fluent performance of Euro 2024 was doubly impressive. Coming mere hours after the tournament’s favourites plumbed new depths and arriving against the reigning champions means multiplying its significance a couple times more.