MATCH REPORT | Spain secure perfect group stage with win against Italy (1-3)

In a packed Wankdorf Stadium on a magnificent Friday night in Bern, Italy and Spain played their third and final Group B match with top spot in the group at stake. The Spanish team started on the front foot from the very first second, pressing into the box, forcing Giuliani to intervene after a combination from Athenea del Castillo and Aitana Bonmatí, with the crowd still settling into their seats.

Italy sought to hit Mack through quick transitions, with several breaks down the right flank, one such move even resulted in a shot from Linari that struck Nanclares' crossbar. Ultimately, these minutes of Italian pressure resulted in the first goal of the match. Oliviero scored off a loose ball that ended up in the back of the net.

Montse Tomé's side didn't let their heads drop and tried to set the rhythm of the play, in search of possession and control. They did so with such success that just three minutes later, they equalised. A 'made in Spain' stunner, with a neat backheel from Alexia to set up Athenea del Castillo's powerful strike.

The national team would not give up on any ball and continued trying to dictate the pace of the game. Patri Guijarro positioned herself at the edge of the box and unleashed a shot that went just wide to Giuliani's right-hand post. The packed out stands in Bern enjoyed doing Mexican waves during an end-to-end encounter that Montse Tomé's side gradually began to dominate. Spain combined with speed, with one-touch passing, slowly wearing down the Azzurre.

The tempo didn't drop in the second half. Two minutes in, and Spain scored again, with Patri Guijarro finding the net after a solo run by Alexia. The ball fell to the midfielder, who didn't hesitate. Her fight, her work, and her often unnoticed efforts as the team's glue were rewarded.

Montse Tomé made personnel changes, bringing Vicky López onto the pitch to replace Athenea del Castillo in the 58th minute. At that point in the match, Nanclares made a crucial save with her fist from a venomous shot by Caruso, just before Vicky López drove into the box to combine with Alexia, though her shot went just wide. In the 76th minute Spain made a double substitution. Esther González and Claudia Pina entered the field in place of Mariona Caldentey and Salma Paralluelo, respectively. While waiting to come on they witnessed the quality of an Aitana shot which forced the opposition goalkeeper into a crucial save.

In added time, and with Maite Zubieta, the final substitute, on the pitch, Esther González sealed the win. A goal that came after a great cross from Alexia, which the recently introduced Granada player headed home, scoring the decisive third goal to make it 3-1 after seizing on the rebound.

Spain concluded the group stage in outstanding fashion with a perfect winning record: 9 points and 14 goals scored. The quarter-finals, which will be played on 18th July at the same venue, now await the national team.