During the quarter-finals of the European Championship, a rematch of the previous tournament's final took place. In an emotional match, coach A. Conte raised a true emotional storm on the sidelines, and his team, guided by the Italian national team, defeated the Spaniards 2-0 and sent the defending champions home.
From the very beginning of the match, the Italians played more aggressively. In the 9th minute, the Spanish goalkeeper D. De Gea brilliantly saved a difficult header from G. Pelle.
Soon after, the alertness of the goalkeeper was tested by E. Giaccherini, but the referee noted a foul on the defender.
The European champions tried to respond with rare attacks, which did not pose a threat.
In the 29th minute, after a corner, D. De Rossi could have scored.
In the 33rd minute, the first goal of the match was scored - Eder converted a penalty, the ball slipped out of De Gea's hands, and the defender G. Chiellini directed it into the goal - 1:0.
At the end of the first half, the Spanish goalkeeper was once again in the spotlight, expertly deflecting Giaccherini's shot.
After the break, the Spaniards regrouped and tried to at least equalize. Meanwhile, A. Conte's players tried to catch the opponents on quick counterattacks.
The score almost became 2-0 - one-on-one with De Gea, Eder emerged, but the Spaniard was unbeatable again. In the 62nd minute, there was chaos near the Spanish goal, but the ball did not find its target.
With nothing to lose, the Spaniards pressed the Italians and created chances.
In the 69th minute, Aduritz missed the goal, and a minute later the forward missed another opportunity. In the 71st minute, Ramos hit the crossbar, and a few moments later Vazquez hit the post, but the referee signaled offside.
A. Iniesta, and later G. Pique, attempted strong shots, but G. Buffon stood firm.
The Italians responded with a counterattack by L. Insigne - De Gea was again in the right place. G. Pique had the last chance to equalize, but his shot was incredibly saved by G. Buffon. In the end, the Italians launched a quick attack, and G. Pelle sealed the deal in a very tough match 2-0.
Starting lineups:
Italy: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Florenzi, Parolo, De Rossi, Giaccherini, De Sciglio, Eder, Pelle.
Spain: De Gea, Juanfran, Pique, Ramos, Alba, Busquets, Fabregas, Iniesta, Silva, Nolito, Morata.
