SAINT-DENIS: Giorgio Chiellini and Graziano Pelle scored as Italy broke a 22-year hoodoo to end Spain’s bid for a record third successive European title with a deserved 2-0 win over familiar foes in an absorbing last-16 clash between the two heavyweights at Euro 2016 on Monday.
Italy deserved their victory and were impressive from the start at Stade de France, stifling Spain’s attacking intent and creating several scoring opportunities with their slick interplay.
The landmark victory set up an epic Italy-Germany quarter final on Saturday in Bordeaux in another battle between a couple of powerhouses in European football.
That side of the draw also includes France and Iceland — the latter the surprise team of the tournament following their shock 2-1 victory over England on Monday.
“It was definitely a great performance,” Italy coach Antonio Conte said. “They did something fantastic tonight. They are great men and wonderful footballers.”
The Italians, who had not won a competitive match against Spain since the 1994 World Cup and were humiliated 4-0 by their old rivals in the Euro 2012 final in Kiev, were the better side on a damp evening, especially in the first half.