Spain draws and takes the lead against an Italy that threatened at the end

These are games that are a joy to play, where honor is at stake, and having a slightly more comfortable draw than the other side will also depend on how Germany and England perform on Wednesday. Ten European Under-21 titles on the pitch, and both dream of breaking the deadlock at the summit of this Slovak tournament. Finally, a fair draw. [Reportage and stats, 1-1]

Two different styles on the pitch were quickly revealed. The Italians' restraint, with two narrow victories, and the Spanish speed, with the same number of points but more goals scored, albeit with scares against Slovakia and Romania. These figures allowed Spain to pursue the lead either from a draw or a victory.

Both teams lined up with their less familiar starting elevens, but there was a desire to see the Spanish flanks, with Jesús Rodríguez and Raúl Moro breaking down defenses. Within 10 minutes, both had outplayed their counterparts at least twice. Although the first shot on target was Fazzini 's, Santi Denia 's team barely got close to the goal. This is something they need to improve on in the clashes, where you can already get burned if you play with fire, and this team has already been doing so for two matches.

The first half was even, with more Spanish flair, especially from an inspired Moro , but more Italian possession. No clear chances existed except for the double Italy had ten minutes before the break. A one-two between Kayode and Doumbia put the former past Cuñat , but slightly out of bounds. The Spanish goalkeeper responded well to the winger, and Ghilardi 's subsequent shot went over.

The second half began like a mirror image. Neither team came out of the locker room willing to take a step forward. The desire to remain unbeaten weighed heavily until the Spanish flanks connected with each other, with Moleiro 's permission. The Canary Islander drove Moro behind Doumbia and passed back to Jesús , who fired past Zacchi . There was still plenty of time left, but Italy had to score two goals to take the lead.

He got his first just five minutes later. Pisilli scored after a mistake by Pablo Marín . The Italian controlled a long pass with the Spaniard on his back, but the Real Madrid player decided to go in instead of holding him off. He missed the attempt, and the winger raced past Cuñat from the side and slotted it inside the base of the post.

Final harassment

The tie was back, and the speculation about trying to avoid the top-scoring Germany or the reigning champions, England, was back. If the British were to win, it would be a rematch of the final of the last championship played in Romania and Georgia. The goals seemed to dampen the team's spirits, and the offensive play was left to isolated plays, like a shot Roberto caught outside the area, but it went wide. And a rebound from Turicchia that Cuñat responded well to.

In the final stretch, Italy pressed harder, searching for the goal they needed, but not completely. There were three important matches left, and it wasn't a question of wasting energy on a symbolic first place.