Dominant Italy knock out Spain

Italy put in a dominant performance as they beat the defending champions Spain 2-0 in Paris on Monday and set up a quarter-final tie against Germany at Euro 2016, Sky Sports reports.

Antonio Conte’s side took the lead in the 33rd minute through defender Giorgio Chiellini but they could have had more but for three superb saves from David de Gea.

De Gea continued to deny Italy in the second half with the Manchester United goalkeeper stopping Eder and substitute Lorenzo Insigne.

Spain had a golden chance to equalise right at the death through Gerard Pique but Gianluigi Buffon was alert to the danger, making a brilliant save before Graziano Pelle’s strike sealed victory in injury time.

For Spain, who lost a knockout game at European Championships or a World Cup for the first time since 2006, it ends an era of dominance at the European Championships following their victories at the tournament in 2008 and 2012.

Vicente del Bosque named an unchanged side for the fourth consecutive game at Euro 2016, while Italy made seven changes from the side that suffered at 1-0 defeat to Republic of Ireland in their final group game.

Pelle was restored in attack alongside Eder by Conte and it was the Southampton man who went close to breaking the deadlock in the eighth minute, but his powerful header was kept out by the diving De Gea.

Italy were dominant in the opening stages and Spain needed De Gea at his best to push Emanuele Giaccherini’s spectacular overhead onto the post, although the referee subsequently penalised the Italian for a high boot.

Spain were struggling to get into the game, however they had a rare chance in the 20th minute when Nolito picked out Cesc Fabregas on the edge of the penalty area but his low drive was blocked by Chiellini.

However, it was Italy that stayed in full control as Mattia De Sciglio’s picked out Marco Parolo, but the midfielder could not direct his header on target.

De Sciglia was causing plenty of problems for Spain over on the right and Sergio Ramos nearly sliced an attempted clearance into his own net following the AC Milan star’s 26th minute cross.

They were not to be denied for long though despite another De Gea save. He kept out Eder’s powerfully struck free-kick before an outstretched boot stopped Giaccherini reaching the rebound.

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