Spain’s Left-Side Dominance: How La Roja Exploited Italy’s Weak Flank at Euro 2024
Spain’s 1-0 victory over Italy in the Euro 2024 group stage wasn’t just a statement win — it was a case study in modern positional play and tactical execution. Luis de la Fuente’s side imposed their identity from the first whistle, focusing their entire offensive framework on exploiting Italy’s vulnerable right side.
Left-Side Overloads: Spain’s Strategic Engine
The cornerstone of Spain’s plan was the triangular combination on the left flank between Gavi, Marc Cucurella, and Nico Williams. Gavi often drifted wide to support ball circulation, while Cucurella underlapped, allowing Nico to isolate Giovanni Di Lorenzo 1v1. The synergy was evident — 42% of Spain’s attacks originated down that flank.
Italy’s shape in defense — a staggered 4-3-3 — failed to compensate. Federico Chiesa stayed too high to help Di Lorenzo, and Jorginho was drawn toward the ball without covering passing lanes. This created repeatable patterns: Rodri shifted the ball wide, Gavi received between the lines, and quick layoffs led to deep progressions.
Visual Breakdown: Tactical Overload on the Left
The field map above illustrates how Spain created asymmetric pressure. The pass from Rodri to Gavi, followed by an immediate link to Cucurella, triggered a vertical run from Nico Williams. This not only stretched Italy’s backline but also disorganized their midfield shape, forcing Cristante to rotate over — often too late.
Midfield Control: Rodri and Fabián’s Command
In central zones, Spain executed a near-perfect double pivot. Rodri orchestrated tempo from deep, completing 93% of his passes and receiving 12 progressive carries. Fabián Ruiz, meanwhile, occupied the left half-space to act as a pressure valve whenever Gavi or Nico were boxed in.
Italy, by contrast, couldn’t impose their pressing triggers. With Scamacca isolated and the midfield three disjointed, Spain constantly bypassed the first line. Notably, Italy recorded just 5 ball recoveries in Spain’s half — a tournament low.
Second Phase Pressing and Positional Discipline
Spain’s superiority wasn’t limited to possession. Their counter-press — initiated immediately after a turnover — suffocated Italy. Dani Carvajal and Pedri locked down any escape outlets, while Laporte and Le Normand held a high line without exposing Unai Simón.
This structure allowed Spain to recycle possession high up the pitch and maintain constant territorial pressure. Italy’s transitions were ineffective, with Chiesa and Barella often forced into long carries without support.
Conclusion: Tactical Maturity on Display
Spain’s victory was built on systematic tactical domination — not through moments of magic but through patterns, structure, and pressing cohesion. Their ability to identify and target Italy’s right-side weakness — and execute that plan with clarity — positions them as one of the most coherent teams at Euro 2024.
Key takeaway: When Spain use the ball as a weapon, not just for possession but for space manipulation, they become brutally efficient. Italy must now reassess not only their personnel but their entire verticality-based system heading into the knockout rounds.