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News

LUN 27.06.2016 | News

Spain knocked out by Italy as Euro dream evaporates

Vicente del Bosque's side struggled against Antonio Conte's team, who ran out 2-0 winners in the last-16 clash, with goals by Chiellini and Pelle.

News

LUN 27.06.2016

De Gea kept Spain alive

Italy were fast out the traps, and caused the Spain defence plenty of problems early on, with David de Gea forced to call on his reflexes to keep the scoreline goalless on a handful of occasions. He firstly kept out a Graziano Pelle header with a diving save and soon after tipped away an acrobatic effort by Emanuele Giaccherini that was heading for the corner.

Chiellini – the Italian surprise

Italy eventually put paid to Spain's resistance in the 33rd minute through an unlikely goalscorer in Giorgio Chiellini. De Gea was once again involved, as he pushed out a powerful effort by Eder, but the veteran defender was on hand to scramble home the rebound.

Aduriz gamble

Vicente del Bosque responded by bringing on Aritz Aduriz for Nolito at half-time. The Basque forward lined up alongside Alvaro Morata in a two-man forward line on the hunt for an equaliser. A painful fall from an aerial battle prevented the 35-year-old from finishing the contest, but he did bring added bite and passion to the Spain attack.

A dangerous Eder

The forward was not only key in the opening goal for Antonio Conte's troops, but he could have all but put the tie to bed in the 56th minute. The 29-year-old was played through one-on-one in a slick attacking move, but De Gea was once again the hero, with a vital save.

Iniesta and Pique came close

Spain threw everyone forward in the final minutes in search of a lifeline, but luck was not on their side. Andres Iniesta had the Spain fans on their feet with a crisp volley from outside the penalty area, but Buffon punched it clear. Pique also came close to levelling the score with a volley from just inside the six-yard box, but the Juventus shotstopper was more than equal to it. Pelle added gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time, when he volleyed home to send the Azzurri faithful into raptures and confirm Italy's quarter-final berth.

© LALIGA - 2016