SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) – Spain’s era of dominance at the European Championship came to an end Monday when Italy beat the two-time defending champion 2-0 in the round of 16.
Italy deserved its victory and was impressive from the start at Stade de France, stifling Spain’s attacking intent and creating several scoring opportunities with slick interplay.
The goals – one in either half – were enough for Italy to avoid its third straight elimination at the European Championship to Spain and secure a quarterfinal clash against another old foe, Germany.
Giorgio Chiellini, a member of Italy’s resilient defense, put his team ahead in the 33rd minute, when he poked the ball across the line after Spain goalkeeper David de Gea couldn’t hold on to a free kick by Eder.
In the second half, Spain showed more menace and came close to equalizing on a couple of occasions, not least when Sergio Ramos’ close-range header in the 76th minute was kept out by veteran Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.