Although the scoreline might suggest it was a tight affair separated only by a Riccardo Calafiori own goal, the Azzurri were on the back foot for most of the match.
Italy still have a good chance of progressing to the last 16, needing only a draw in their last group match against Croatia on Monday (Tuesday morning AEST).
“We saw too much of Spain, they were fresher than us,” said Spalletti.
“We were too late reading things.
“We were below par in reacting, finding space, getting back to deeper positions.
“They were fresher and created problems for us in their speed of decision making.
“When three or four fresher players came on, we played more high balls and created some situations that could have led us to equalising, but they were much stronger than us and deservedly won.
“It’s up to us, as always, to make the difference,” he added, referring to the upcoming Croatia clash.
ANSA
