Livewire winger Nico Williams was irresistible in Spain's 1-0 win over Italy at Euro 2024, standing out among a selection of exciting young stars raising hopes of a return to the glory days for La Roja.

The 21-year-old Athletic Bilbao left-winger tormented Italy right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo in Gelsenkirchen, as Spain secured their second win in the tournament, clinching top spot in Group B and a last-16 berth.

Despite the narrow scoreline, Spain's dominance was clear, offering a measure of revenge for their penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 semi-finals at Wembley.

Spain's performance, featuring the craft and skill of 21-year-old duo Williams and Pedri, along with 16-year-old Lamine Yamal supporting striker Alvaro Morata, proved too much for Italy. Gianluigi Donnarumma's crucial saves, including one from a Pedri header following a Williams cross inside 90 seconds, kept Italy in the game during the first half.

Williams himself missed a golden opportunity with a header shortly after, but he spent most of the match wreaking havoc on the left flank. Ten minutes into the second half, he escaped Di Lorenzo again and sent in a cross that was bundled into the net by Riccardo Calafiori for an own goal.

All that was missing from Williams' performance was a goal of his own, which he nearly scored 20 minutes from time when his shot crashed off the bar. Williams was substituted 12 minutes from the end to a standing ovation and later left the stadium with the man of the match award.

"I felt incredible. I think this was maybe my most complete performance yet for the national team and I hope to continue this way," he said.

Williams entered Euro 2024 following an outstanding season with Athletic Bilbao, helping them win the Copa del Rey. His brother Inaki, eight years his senior, also plays for Athletic but represents Ghana internationally.

The younger Williams topped the assists chart in La Liga, leading to speculation about a potential big-money transfer, despite having a contract with Bilbao until 2027. "I am very focused on what I am doing here," Williams said. "This is like a shop window for me, but I am very focused on the Euros and on what I need to do to help the team."

Williams, along with Barcelona playmaker Pedri, was introduced to the national team by former coach Luis Enrique and played in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His importance to the national team has grown, and his presence on one flank, with Yamal on the other, adds a different dimension to Spain's attack, making them genuine contenders.

"The first thing my teammates did when I came back into the dressing room was applaud me," Williams revealed, adding that his brother had congratulated him immediately. "When I picked up my phone I had a voice message from my brother, who is a source of unconditional support for me. This is also for him, for my parents and for the Williams family."