Spain U21 1–1 Italy U21 Player Ratings: Spain Tops Group A After Hard-Fought Draw With Italy

Spain U21 and Italy U21 played out an intense draw in their third group match of the UEFA Euro 2025 campaign. Before facing each other, both teams had already secured promotion to the quarter-finals after winning the first two games and securing all six points. Spain U21 finished at the top of Group A despite drawing 1-1 with Italy U21. It was enough for Spain, despite having the same points and the same goal difference with their immediate opponents, Italy, as they have scored more goals so far in the competition.

As things stand currently, Spain will lock horns against England in the quarterfinals, whereas Italy is scheduled to face Germany in the quarterfinals. Taking a deep note of the past matches, Spain began their Euro U21 campaign with a 3-2 win over Slovakia in the opening game. In the most recent encounter, Spain won 2-1 over Romania.

Italy, on the other hand, won both their games with a slender 1-0 margin. Italy's defense has been resolute, and they have not conceded even a single goal in the competition. It would be interesting to see how both teams approach the game, as the qualification fate of both teams would remain unaffected by the result. However, the final group standings and their opponents in the quarter finals would solely depend on the result of the fixture.

The game began with both teams exerting their dominance from the first minute itself.

At the end of the first 30 minutes, Italy had a slightly better possession than Spain. Italy also had more control in the midfield, having relatively better passing accuracy in the game than Spain. Italy seemed aware of the fact that they needed a win to finish atop the points table, and a draw would be enough for Spain to emerge as the table toppers. After Spain's Rodriguez scored the first goal in the 53rd minute, Italy equalised via Pissili's goal in the 59th minute. The match ended with both teams sharing the spoils after 90 minutes. Here are the Spain U21 vs Italy U21 player ratings.

Spain U21 Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Pablo Cunat - 7/10

The young goalkeeper was allowed to start the game. He looked confident with the ball, and his reflexes were firm enough to see Spain keeping their lead in the points table intact.

Defenders

Marc Pubill - 8/10

UD Almeira's rising sensation was unarguably the best player from the Spanish camp in the first half. From making accelerated runs from the right flank to helping in transition play, he was brilliant tonight.

Rafa Marin - 7/10

The captain of the Spain national team. With 1 recoveries and 3 clearances under his belt in the first half, Martin did a captain's job to help his side protect the clean sheet.

Juanma Herzog - 7/10

He had around four defensive interceptions in the first half. With 1 block and 3 clearance, he did a decent job of shutting the Italian strikers from doing any significant damage.

Andres Garcia - 7/10

The left back was chosen over the regular starter and did a pretty decent job behind tonight.

Midfielders

Mikel Jauregizar - 8/10

One of the best Spanish players on the pitch tonight, Jauregizar was responsible for finding gaps and making those pin point accurate passes.

Pablo Marin - 7/10

Pablo had an average game tonight, but could have made more of his chances tonight.

Raul Moro - 7.5/10

Raul Moro had a shot in the first half, which was off target. He made those dangerous touches in the opposition box, but nothing significant enough to cause problems. He also made an assist to the first goal.

Alberto Moleiro - 6.5/10

Moleiro's dribbles were brilliant, but lacked the composure and stability in the midfield.

Jesus Rodriguez - 8/10

The attacking winger was the first goalscorer of the game and was responsible for breaking the deadlock in the 53rd minute.

Striker

Roberto Fernandez - 6/10

Roberto failed to make any real impact in the game tonight and wasted his opportunity to start the game as the primary striker.

Substitutes

SUB - Javi Guerra - 7/10

SUB - Diego Lopez - 6.5/10

SUB - Juanlu Sanchez - 6/10

SUB - Pablo Torre - 6/10

Manager

Santi Denia - 7/10

The former Spanish player has managed the Atletico Madrid team before taking over the reins of the Spanish U21 side. His decisions initially stunned everyone after he made numerous changes to his old lineup. But his side kept their composure to take the lead first.

Italy U21 Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Gioele Zacchi - 6/10

Not an impressive start for Zacchi in this game after he conceded the first goal. His recoveries and long balls could have been better in this game.

Defenders

Michael Kayode - 7/10

The Italian right back could have made more attacks from the right flank of the pitch.

Diego Coppola - 8/10

The Hellas Verona defender played brilliantly. Despite conceding a goal first, Coppola was brilliant in keeping the Spanish strikers at bay tonight.

Daniele Ghilardi - 8.5/10

The captain of the Italian U21 team was unarguably one of the finest players on the pitch tonight. Not only was he effective in the defense, but he also had an assist on the first equalizer.

Riccardo Turicchia - 7/10

The left winger failed to exploit the vulnerabilities in the Spanish wings.

Midfielders

Gabriele Guarino - 6.5/10

Guarino looked invisible in the pitch and had a tough day in the office tonight.

Alessandro Bianco - 7/10

The Italian midfielder played a crucial role in offering defensive solidarity to his side. He won 2 tackles and made several blocks to keep Italy in this game.

Issa Doumbia - 7/10

Another Italian midfielder who was defensively stronger tonight, Doumbia, did a good job of closing down Spanish strikers.

Strikers

Jacopo Fazzini - 8.5/10

Fazzini had a brilliant game tonight and was a live wire for Italy tonight.

Niccolo Pisilli - 8.5/10

When Spain scored the first goal, it seemed all done and dusted for Italy. But Pissil's brilliant goal saw Italy make a comeback, six minutes after conceding a goal.

Giuseppe Ambrosino - 8/10

The Italian strikers did a good job of being a constant threat to the Spanish defense tonight.

Substitutes

SUB - Wilfried Gnonto - 7/10

SUB - Cesare Casadei - 6.5/10

SUB - Lorenzo Pirola - NA

SUB - Matteo Ruggeri - NA

Manager

Carmine Nunziata - 7.5/10

The Italian gaffer has previously managed teams like AC Milan and the Italian youth teams. He was well aware of his strategies from the first minute and did everything possible to help Italy clinch all three points.

Sportsdunia Player of the Match goes to Daniele Ghilardi