Italy take revenge to send Spain packing with 2-0 win

Italy took a revenge in the Euro 2016 Round of 16 here on Monday to send defending champions Spain packing with a 2-0 win.

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini opened the scoring in the 33rd minute when Inter Milan striker Eder stepped up to rifle a bullet free-kick at goal. Spain keeper David de Gea blocked the shot but Giaccherini dashed into the goalmouth melee to pounce home on the rebound.

Ghiellini had ever said before the duel, "Spain have been our nemesis since 2008. I like the word 'revenge,' but we need to put it into practice."

Southampton forward Graziano Pelle sealed the win in the 92nd minute when Italy caught Spain on a counter-attack with substitute Matteo Darmian making his way deep down the wing before smashing a deflected cross into the box through Spain captain Sergio Ramos' legs. Pelle volleyed home from the edge of the six-yard box.

Italy had another great chance to extend the lead in the 56th minute when Eder broke Spain's defence with a bursting dribble into the box, one-on-one with the Manchester United goalie. But it was de Gea who made himself big with a brilliant block.

In the 62nd minute, the Italians moved forward with pace on a counter attack. Eder eventually slipped a neat pass into the box for Emanuele Giaccherini, who fired a superb, low ball along the six-yard box, but there were no takers for the Italians.

Veteran goalie Gianluigi Buffon also played a key part in Italy's win with a string of wondrous saves to deny the scoring chances from David Silva, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, and Alvaro Morata, in the second half in particular. Buffon tipped out Gerard Pique's close-range tap in the last minute of normal time to smash Spain's hope totally.

The Italians, known as defending experts, showcased stronger will to win in the duel with faster pace and penetrating attacks.

Without the brilliant "Tikki-Takka" style, Spain could not dominated the game and luck was not on their side.

The two old rivalries featured against each other in the final of the last Euros back in 2012. On that night in Kiev four years ago, David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres, and Juan Mata were on target in a 4-0 win to seal the trophy for Spain.

The two teams had met eight times at major tournaments, with Italy having the upper hand until Spain beat them on penalties on their way to winning UEFA EURO 2008. Endit