Euro 2016: Italy 2-0 Spain - 5 talking points

Italy were magnificent against Spain

Italy avenged their 4-0 humiliation in the Euro 2012 final as goals from Giorgio Chiellini and Graziano Pelle sealed a famous 2-0 victory over defending champions Spain at the Stade de France. Italy went in front after 33 minutes when Eder’s free-kick was saved by David de Gea, but fell in the path of Chiellini, who had the easy task to tap the ball in.

An underwhelming Spain fought hard in the closing moments, but their plans were repeatedly foiled by a solid Italian back three. They were ultimately the recipients of a counter-attack in injury time, as Matteo Darmian’s deflected cross was gratefully met by Pelle to seal the deal for Antonio Conte’s side.

The result sends Italy into the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, where they face world champions Germany.

Here are the five talking points from the encounter in Saint-Denis:-

1) David de Gea keeps Spain in it

De Gea did his best to keep Spain in the game

If Spain had anyone to thank for keeping the score down, it was none other than their star goalkeeper David de Gea. He made a number of magnificent saves, including two jaw-dropping ones to deny Pelle and Emmanuelle Giaccherini.

He might have done better with Eder’s free-kick which culminated in the goal, but he did well enough to get his body behind it. It was yet another outstanding display by the Manchester United custodian – one which confirms his status as one of the world’s top keepers.