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Spain's Under-21 team secures top spot in the group with a draw against Italy and now sets its sights on the quarter-finals

Santi Denia's Under-21 team continues to advance in the European Championship in Slovakia, having fulfilled its duty: a draw against Italy (1-1), qualification secured, and first place in Group A in the bag. It wasn't the most brilliant match, nor the most comfortable, but the objective was achieved, which was what really mattered. Now it's time to think about Saturday, when the quarter-finals will be played against the second-placed team in Group B, which is yet to be decided.

Spain went into the match knowing that a draw would be enough to finish top of the group. And that confidence was evident for much of the match, although Italy were never an easy opponent. The Azzurri, five-time champions of the tournament, like Spain, came out with pride, knowing that they were playing for a place in the next round and that only a win would do. But the team from Denia held their own.

Jesús Rodríguez opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, taking advantage of a loose ball in the area after a move down the left wing. The goal sparked celebrations on the Spanish bench, but they were short-lived: six minutes later, Italy responded strongly and found the equaliser. It was a quick blow that brought the game back to life. The 1-1 score fired up the Italians, who began to push hard, knowing that they were out with that result.

Spain, however, managed to hold on. They didn't go crazy, they didn't sit back completely, but they didn't launch into an uncontrolled attack either. It was an exercise in collective maturity, something the coach has been working on since the start of the tournament. Denia, at the end of the match, was satisfied: ‘I congratulated them because they worked as a team. This is what makes them a family,’ he said at a press conference, making it clear that the group is the most important thing.

The coach also took the opportunity to point out that practically everyone has had playing time in this group stage, with the exception of the third goalkeeper, Aitor. ‘I feel very sorry for him,’ he confessed, although he made it clear that his role in the group is just as valuable. Rotation has been key to reaching this point with the team fresh and everyone on board.

With this draw, Spain ends the group stage with seven points and a better goal difference than Italy and Croatia, its main competitors. The victory in the debut and the rout in the second match weighed heavily when it came to defining positions. Now we have to wait for the quarter-final opponent, which will come out of Group B, where Germany, England and Slovenia are playing for everything. Whichever team it is will be difficult, but Spain arrives with good vibes and the momentum of having gone through the first phase without defeat.

An interesting fact is that Italy and Spain are the two teams with the most titles in the history of the Under-21 tournament, with five each. But while the Italians have not reached a final since 2013, the Spanish team has managed to remain competitive over the last decade, with titles in 2011, 2013 and 2019. That consistency is what is now expected to be repeated in this championship.

There is still a long way to go in the tournament, but the first important step has already been taken. Spain is in the quarter-finals, as group leaders, with confidence, a united team and room for improvement. From Saturday onwards, there is no safety net: it's all or nothing.