By Conor Clancy

Giorgio Chiellini and Graziano Pelle's goals proved enough for Italy as they saw off their old foes Spain by 2-0 at the Stade de France in the last 16 of Euro 2016. Antonio Conte's side completely dominated the first half, and could have been out of sight at the break were it not for the heroics of David De Gea, before Spain grew into the game in the second half and made Italy work for their place in the quarter finals.

The Azzurri started the game well, and looked to put Spain under pressure on a less than perfect pitch at the Stade de France. David De Gea was in inspired form early on, as he pulled off two top-drawer saves to deny Graziano Pelle and Emanuele Giaccherini inside the game's opening 10 minutes. Leonardo Bonucci showed his playmaking abilities as the first half edged beyond its midway point. Intercepting a Spanish attack, the Juventus man charged up the pitch before releasing the ball to Daniele De Rossi. A cross from the left found Marco Parolo in a promising position but the Lazio midfielder could not direct his header goal-bound.

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Source: http://forzaitalianfootball.com/