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Spain were sent crashing out of Euro 2016 at the hands of Italy following a 2-0 defeat in the round of 16. In a rematch of the 2012 final in Kiev, a dominant victory for a brilliant Spanish side, Italy met Spain in an early round of 16 clash of the titans.
Having won both the 2008 and 2012 editions of this tournament, Spain’s 2016 defense was broken by a 33rd minute goal from Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini. The Italian defensive statesman was never the most likely of match winners, but this is an Italian team that consistently gets it done, no matter the method, at major international tournaments.
David de Gea, who was brilliant on the day, could only parry a fiercely-struck Italian free kick in front of him, and his attempted clearance from the ground went straight to Chiellini. The Juventus defender duly applied the finish.
In the first minute of second half added time, Graziano Pelle put the game beyond all doubt.
The final scoreline flattered the Spanish. De Gea made at least three world-class saves to keep La Roja within touching distance, but Italy, masterfully prepared and setup by manager Antonio Conte, will enter the quarter-finals believing that they can equal, if not better, their 2012 runners-up finish.
However, it doesn’t get any easier for Italy. After defeating the defending European champions, they’ll now be tasked with defeating the defending world champions, Germany. That match will take place on July 2nd in Bordeaux.
For Spain, the best chance they could muster came in the 89th minute from Gerard Pique. Italy was able to effectively stifle the midfield threat offered from Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Cesc Fabregas with Alvaro Morata, Lucas Vazquez and Aritz Aduriz struggling to make an impact up top.
This is a Spanish side that clearly pales to the 2008, 2010 and 2012 editions. While they occasionally sparkled and delighted in their precise passing and movement, they lack the necessary bite that was shown by Italy. Of course, there's no shame in being shutout by the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli.
Italy have now defeated both Belgium and Spain comprehensively, an achievement that should not be overlooked. Their quarterfinal match against Germany could've easily been the final of this tournament had the draw worked differently.
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