Spain's quality shines through against Italy as world champions win again

Esther Gonzalez scores again as Montse Tomé's side make it three victories from three to top Group B

Esther Gonzalez scores her fourth goal of Euro 2025. Credit: Miguel Medina/AFP via Getty Images

Spain completed a perfect group stage in a major tournament for the first time after a 3-1 win over Italy in the last round of Group B matches.

Italy started the match the better, attacking relentlessly, and it took just 10 minutes for their efforts to bear fruits. Moments after Elena Linari rattled the crossbar from a corner, the opening goal arrived. It was Elisabetta Oliviero who took advantage of a poor clearance from a passive Spanish side who were yet to get going.

The Italians stepped onto the pitch confident and ready to challenge the world champions for top spot in the group, and they managed to give Spain their toughest match of the tournament to date.

Spain’s response to going behind was impressive. if unexpected, though as they equalised four minutes later with a statement goal. Athenea del Castillo received the ball on the wing and shimmied her way into the box through Italian defenders before offloading the ball to Alexia Putellas. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner showed why she is one of the world’s best, backheeling the ball on her first touch with perfect weight and precision back to Del Castillo on the edge of the box. The Real Madrid winger finished brilliantly, and Spain regained composure.