Italy booked their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 with a comprehensive win over a lifeless Spain in Saint-Denis.
The Azzurri were outstanding in their victory, showing patience, grit, and cohesion, while the Spaniards were truly outfoxed and struggled to impose their trademark ‘tiki-taka’ style. The ruthless Italian defence made light work of La Furia Roja ’s lacklustre attack – a stark comparison to the 4-0 demolition of Italy when they met in the previous final of the continental showcase.
Outside90’s Adam Pallotta identifies the three best performers in the contest.
Giorgio Chiellini
The ever-reliable defender continued his impressive European campaign with a perfect performance against La Roja. Along with Barzagli and Bonucci in Conte’s preferred back three, Chiellini confidently suppressed Spain’s creative options and paved the way for the eventual upset. He charged forward with intent, applying pressure in a congested midfield, and opened the scoring with a goal in the 33rd minute to reward his team’s dominance. The Juventus workhorse performed harmoniously with those by his side and was outstanding with three recorded clearances, three interceptions, and five of six successful duels.
Mattia De Sciglio
The AC Milan wingback played the best game for his country so far, causing headaches down the left-side of the field, while demonstrating a calmness and poise that was unexpected given his tender age and quality of opponent. The 23-year-old was the youngest in the Italian starting XI, but provided the best of the crosses and drive along the flank. De Sciglio impressively provided in attack, but also dropped back into space to provide support for the defence when possession was surrendered, finishing with two interceptions, three clearances, and three tackles.
David De Gea
The Spanish goalkeeper was arguably the best afield, keeping his side in the contest for the majority of the match with a string of fine saves to deny Graziano Pelle, Emanuele Giaccherini, and Eder. His first mistake led to Chiellini’s opener, however, this was his only blemish in an overall solid performance. The Manchester United shot-stopper can hold his head up high despite his team’s elimination from the tournament, since his five key saves prevented a disastrous final score.
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