Italy, who had won one out of their past 11 games against Spain, came to France with an ageing side. Following that chance Italy underlined their dominance when Mattia De Sciglio’s low cross into the box forced Sergio Ramos into a fortuitous clearance over his own bar from close range.
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And Spanish coach Vicente Del Bosque ran fresh out of ideas against Antonio Conte, his managerial rival who paced the touchline like a caged tiger and showed he has one of the sharpest coaching minds in the business by enforcing his discipline on a team of players who will be underrated no longer.
“We were a bit timid in the first half, without a lot of confidence, without a lot of determination”, Del Bosque acknowledged, though adding: “You can’t doubt our good intentions”.
“We have been working very intensively for a month now, tactically and physically, in a bid to surprise people and we have already succeeded on that”.
“They were probably better”, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, said. It wasn’t pretty but their speedy reaction while Spanish players stood like zombies spoke volumes about Italy’s greater hunger.
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.
Had it not been for Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, Spain would have lost by a far greater margin, although the 25-year-old was beaten on 33 minutes as Chiellini bundled home after Eder’s free-kick had been parried. We played well, we had positive feelings and so much willingness to do well. He stuck to guns that weren’t firing anymore, and despite their two impressive matches to start the tournament, Spain were exposed as the same kind of team, only with inferior players compared to before. I think Germany are a cut above the rest.
Del Bosque said: “Italy were the better team and I wish them all the best”.
Italy will now play world champions Germany in the quarterfinals this coming Saturday.
The Spaniards rallied in the second half with Gerard Pique seeing their best chance of an equaliser saved by Gianluigi Buffon just moments before Pelle completed Italy’s win.
They were off the pace in a 2-1 defeat against Croatia and again against Italy.
Playing Spain in the round of 16, however, was also meant to be a test beyond Italy’s ability. We had to be extraordinary and the boys had it in them.
“We have to accept this disappointing result”.
Italy flew straight back to their Montpellier base after Monday evening’s match in Paris and were greeted by around 300 supporters at their hotel, according to the FIGC.
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“I don’t think an era has finished but we understand how hard it is to win a major championship”, Del Bosque told reporters.
