Goals from Giorgio Chiellini and Southampton striker Graziano Pelle saw incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte mastermind a 2-0 win over the defending champions.
Italy celebrating after beating Spain – EURO 2016 – Round of 16
Italy beat Spain 2-0 in a terrific last-16 match in Paris on Monday evening, thanks to goals from Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini in the first half and a sucker punch from Southampton forward Graziano Pelle in added on time to seal the victory.
The performance was another classic example by the Italians under Antonio Conte of how to win a football match against a side full of technical, proven world class players. Italy had already demonstrated an ability to upset the form book by dispatching similarly fancied group opponents Belgium in their opening game of the tournament, but if anything, the win over reigning champions Spain was even more impressive.
Across the side there were heroes for Italy, no more than those that found themselves in defensive situations. But in the first half especially, Conte’s men were superb going forward, and but for some outstanding saves from David de Gea, the scoreline might have been even greater.
How Chelsea fans must be looking forward to the former Juventus boss landing at Stamford Bridge and teaching the Blues players the tactical approach and instilling the work ethic and commitment in the squad, that could well see any side under Conte impress.
Here are some of the best images from last night’s action in Paris:
Italy team group
Italy head coach Antonio Conte
Spain’s David Silva in action with Italy’s Mattia De Sciglio
Italy v Spain – EURO 2016 – Round of 16
Spain’s Sergio Ramos heads at goal
Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon
Italy’s Graziano Pelle celebrates after scoring their second goal as Spain’s David de Gea reacts
Italy v Spain – EURO 2016 – Round of 16
Italy v Spain – EURO 2016 – Round of 16
Italy v Spain – EURO 2016 – Round of 16
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