GOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLL FOR ITALY! THE AZZURRI HAVE WON IT! They catch Spain on the counter-attack, with Darmian making his way deep down the wing before smashing a deflected cross into the box. Possession falls fortuitously for Pelle, who drills home on the half-volley from the edge of the six-yard box! Two-nil!!
90' +1
G. Pellè has scored a goal for Italy!
90'
OH WHAT A STUNNING SAVE FROM BUFFON! Spain are throwing everyone forward here, so much so that the two centre-backs combine. Ramos nods down to Pique, who latches on to the ball eight yards out to prod an attempt low to the corner, but the Italian stopper makes the block!
89'
Jordi Alba gets yellow.
T. Motta gets yellow.
Sergio Busquets gets yellow.
Yellow for Motta.
Booking for Busquets.
Yellow card Jordi Alba Ramos
88'
Two minutes of normal time remaining, and it looks Spain are not going to reach the quarter-final stage in their attempts to defend their European Championship title. Unclear how much added time will be allocated by the referee!
86'
Positive play from Vazquez this time as he cuts inside with a lovely stepover before flashing a pass along the area for Silva, who then whips a teasing cross along the six-yard box. Pedro strives to get on the end of it, but Buffon proactively comes off his line to turn behind for a corner-kick.
85'
Another alteration from Antonio Conte here, and it is a slightly defensive one as Florenzi trudges off the side of the pitch to be replaced by Manchester United defender, Matteo Darmian.
84'
M. Darmian enters the game and replaces A. Florenzi.
This just doesn't look like it is going to happen for Spain here, who look bereft of ideas in their attempts to unlock the Italian defence. The format is somewhat similar to their opening game against the Czech Republic, when it took then until around now to score, but the tempo isn't quite there. They need to get Iniesta on the ball in these last few minutes.
82'
L. Insigne enters the game and replaces Éder.
The second sees the imrpessive Eder make way for the speedy Lorenzo Insigne, who netted in a friendly between these two nations in March.
Minute
Description
81'
Pedro enters the game and replaces Aduriz.
Two changes in quick succession here. The first sees Aduriz make way for Pedro, with the Athletic Bilbao man seemingly unable to shake off that knock he received from that awkward fall.
79'
The way the match is panning out at the moment, it looks like this is going to be Spanish attack versus Italian defence in the last 10 minutes of proceedings. La Roja usually prosper with this type of room available, but as mentioned previously, they are up against quite brilliant defensive backline. Time is running out for the equaliser.
77'
BUFFON CALLED INTO ACTION TWICE IN TWO MINUTES! Having not been tested to a particular high degree up until moments ago, the Juventus stopper knows he is in a game now, this time beating away a blistering strike from Pique who had moved into an area on the left. It is all-Spain at the moment!
75'
SAVE FROM BUFFON!!! Spain try and penetrate in to this sturdy Italian defence with a nice little period of sustained possession on the edge of the box. The ball eventually comes to Iniesta, who picks out a perfect volley aimed towards the top corner, only to be thwarted by the goalkeeping legend, who tips over.
73'
Pique receives the ball at the back and looks to catalyse an attack with a typical dribble in to midfield. With the Italian midfield sitting deep, though, the Barcelona defender is forced to retreat back and pass square to Pique, who then attempts a similar venture into a more advanced area. Uncharacterstic of Spain to have not many people showing for possession...
71'
It will be interesting to see how Italy approach the last 20 minutes here, as they have built their success on these Euros on their defensive solidity, so it might be time for them to retreat back into deeper positions. This could indeed be playing into the hands of the Spanish, though, who are the masters of unlocking deep back lines. We shall see!
70'
Lucas Vázquez enters the game and replaces Álvaro Morata.
Del Bosque makes another change as Morata is replaced by Lucas Vazquez.
69'
JUST WIDE FROM ADURIZ!! Some lovely interplay on the edge of the Italian penalty area eventually sees the ball drop kindly for the substitute, who goes to guide a left-footed strike low into the bottom left corner. Unfortunately for him, it goes a yard wide of the post, with Buffon struggling to get across.
68'
Iniesta swivels sharply in the middle of the park and, for one of the first times in the game, manages to get in behind the sturdy Italian midfield. The Barca star moves into space before passing forward for Silva, who subsequently finds Morata, but the sting comes completely out of the attack as he doesn't have much support in the final third. Again, too slow when it matters, Spain.
66'
Juanfran goes on a rare run into the final third and picks up the ball before attempting to take on De Sciglio. The Atletico Madrid man twists and turns, attempting to find a bit of space to get the cross in, but the Azzurri fans rise out of their seats in tremendous cheers as he is dispossessed by the wing-back, who cleanly and commandingly wins the ball.
64'
Even with Spain improving dramatically since the break, Buffon has remained largely untested between the sticks, which is perhaps a testament to having the best defensive unit in the world in front of him. Even so, with La Roja's attacking qualities you would be expecting more goalmouth action in opposition territory.
62'
HOW ARE ITALY NOT 2-0 UP?! Conte's men move forward with pace on the counter, with Eder leading the charge. He eventually slips a neat pass into the box for Giaccherini, who fires a superb, low ball along the six-yard box, but there are no takers for the Italians! That was begging to be smashed home.
60'
VERY UNLUCKY MORATA! The Real Madrid forward, who is growing in prominence as time goes on, collects the ball up top with a lovely touch out of the air before going for a cheeky lob attempt over Buffon from all of 25 yards. An admirable attempt, but it was never really bothering the Italian between the sticks.
59'
After some treatment for a bloody nose, the substitute is okay to continue.
58'
Some fairly worrying scenes for Spain here as Aduriz is currently down injured after falling very awkwardly on his back after failing to get on the end of a cross. The Athletic Bilbao man has only just come on, so it wouldn't exactly be ideal for Del Bosque to look towards the bench again at this stage!
56'
MASSIVE SAVE FROM DE GEA! Eder shows the Spain defence a clean pair of heels down the right channel and eats up the ground with a brilliant, bursting dribble. He eventually makes his way into the box, but comes out second best in the one-on-one with the Manchester United man, who makes himself big to make the vital block!
55'
Pelle goes into the book now, and it is not exactly fully deserved as he is punished for a wayward arm into the face of Fabregas. Very little contact there, but he sees yellow nonetheless.
54'
G. Pellè gets yellow.
T. Motta enters the game and replaces D. De Rossi.
First change of the match from Italy now, and it appears that De Rossi has picked up an injury here unfortunately. His replacement in midfield will be Thiago Motta of PSG, so not exactly a bad understudy!
53'
Much better from Fabregas this time as he moves into a useful area before firing a pass into the feet of Silva, who strives to find a bit of room on the edge of the area. In the end, he misses his chance to get the shot away which allows the Italian defence to pounce and clear the danger.
52'
Fabregas, who has been poor so far, attempts to burst into life in this last-16 clash with a long-range attempt from 25 yards. It is not one of the Chelsea man's better efforts though, and ends up going high and wide north of the crossbar, not bothering Buffon.
50'
WHAT A SITTER FROM MORATA! From the resulting corner kick from that Silva cross, the ball is floated into the penalty area to meet the head of the former Juventus man, who somehow sends a header straight into the arms of Buffon from five yards! It would have been easier to score!
49'
Bonucci concedes the free-kick on the right wing, which is taken by Silva. The Manchester City man goes to pick out a team-mate at the back post but a clerance from the Italian defence sees possession go out for a corner.
48'
So a very interesting alteration at the break from Vicente del Bosque, who is clearly trying to provide a lot more of a physical presence in that Italian penalty area. Aduriz is known for his prowess in the air, so this should be something different for Bonucci, Barzagli, and Chiellini to think about now.
46'
Aduriz enters the game and replaces Nolito.
A change to report at the break, and no surprise to see that it comes from Spain. Leaving the action is the ineffectual Nolito and he will be replaced by Aritz Aduriz, which will likely signal Morata moving out wide.
We are back under way in this last-16 clash!
44'
SAAAAAAAAAAVE FROM DE GEA! De Rossi mounts a counter-attack with a nutmeg on no less than Iniesta, before rushing forward with pace. Pelle releases Giaccherini down the left wing, with the former Sunderland man cutting inside on his right foot to rifle a strike aimed towards the top corner. The Spain goalkeeper is equal to it, though!
42'
Nolito attempts to affect the game in a much more positive manner this time, as he drives adventurously down the right wing to the byline. He eventually digs out a low cross aimed towards Pique, only for the Barcelona defender to just be pipped to the ball by De Rossi, who shield possession enough to allow Bonucci to clear up the park.
40'
Nolito gets yellow.
Another yellow card in this tense clash now, with a Spaniard the latest guilty party. The player entering the book is Nolito, whose frustrations have compounded into a rash tackle on De Rossi right on the top of the Italian's ankle.
39'
Eder receives the ball to feet a yard in from the touchline and then leaves Ramos for dead with a clever flick and change of pace to move into the channel. The Inter striker continues to venture into opposition territory, but is forced to turn back due to a lack of support from his team-mates.
37'
Spain look to respond quickly to that Chiellini goal with a free-kick of their own down the right wing. Silva steps up to fire the set-piece lofted towards the back post with once again Ramos being the target, but it is poor from the former Valencia man who only succeeds in flighting out for a goal-kick. Disappointing.
35'
Ten minutes to go in the first period now and that Italian goal certainly wasn't in the script for Spain, who are yet to really stamp their authority on proceedings so far. The lead doesn't flatter the Azzurri either, who have been superb since the opening whistle, taking the game to the opposition.
33'
G. Chiellini has scored a goal for Italy! Assist by E. Giaccherini.
GOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL FOR ITALY! CONTE'S MEN TAKE THE LEAD! Eder steps up to rifle the free-kick at goal and it proves too hot to handle for De Gea, with Giaccherini running in to pounce on the rebound. After a scramble, it is eventually Chiellini who smashes home from close range! One-nil!
Positive work from Giaccherini to pounce to De Gea's mistake to set up Chiellini for the opener!
32'
Italy gain the free-kick in a very dangerous position here as Sergio Ramos comes out to needlessly hack at the feet of Pelle, who does well to earn the foul. Lets see if the Azzurri can make something from this one.
30'
Almost a horror moment for Sergio Ramos! Pelle, who is causing plenty of problems up top with his physical presence, wonderfully flicks the ball out wide before following his pass with a run into the box. Florenzi finds space to fizz a wicked cross along the six-yard box, which Ramos ALMOST skews into his own net with a clearance! Corner to Italy is the result...
28'
Spain take yet another short corner-kick, this time on the opposite wing from the previous set-piece. Iniesta is the man to receive possession again and on this occasion opts to have a crack on goal, but it is fairly tepid from the Barcelona maestro, who only succeeds in sending the strike straight down the throat of Buffon.
26'
Apart from that venture forward from Italy a few moments ago, Spain have looked much better in the past 10 minutes or so, seemingly having managed to find their feet in terms of possession. It will be majorly difficult to break down this Italian defence simply due to the lack of space in front of the penalty area, though.
24'
JUST WIDE FROM PAROLO! Bonucci wins the ball superbly in midfield and launches a counter-attack with a marauding run forward. Pelle eventually receives to feet before playing out wide to De Sciglio, who stands a teasing cross high into the box. His team-mate rises high to bullet a header on goal, but it just goes the wrong side of the post!
23'
M. De Sciglio gets yellow.
First yellow card of the match now and it comes to De Sciglio for hauling Juanfran to the floor near the right touchline.
22'
Nolito takes a corner-kick short to Iniesta down the right wing, who finds a yard of space before clipping a wicked cross to the back post aimed at Ramos. The Spain captain goes down under the lumbering challenge of Chiellini, but there isn't much involved in the altercation at all and the referee correctly waves the penalty protests away.
20'
Nolito receives the ball to feet and takes advantage of the space available to him to move towards goal. He drills a low cross into the penalty area which deflects into the path of Fabregas on the edge of the box, with the Chelsea man subsequently going for the strike aimed at the bottom corner. A combination of Chiellini and Bonucci make the brave block, though.
18'
Sergio Ramos moves out of defence and attempts to play a precision pass down the wing for Alba, only for Florenzi to pounce on it like a flash to win possession for the Italians. The Roma star exchanges a one-two with Chiellini and goes for the return ball near the byline, but it ends up running out for a goal-kick on the slick surface.
16'
Italy have their fans to thank for their positive opening to the game, too, as whenever Spain attempt to build up the play patiently from midfield, they are met with a chorus of boos from the passionate Azzurri supporters from the stands. A very entertaining opening portion to this last-16 encounter!
14'
A bit better from Spain this time as Silva glides into the central area from the right wing before chipping a teasing cross to the back post for the oncoming Alba. There was just a bit too much on the ball from the Manchester City man, though, and Italy breathe a sigh of relief at gaining the goal-kick.
13'
There is no doubt about it - Italy should definitely be ahead here. Not only have Conte's men took the game to Spain with their high-tempo pressing of the ball, but they have forced De Gea into two world-class saves within the space of a couple of minutes! La Roja just haven't found their passing game yet.
11'
ANOTHER STUNNING STOP FROM DE GEA! A long ball is sent up top and Pelle uses his physical presence to smuggle possession into the box. A clipped cross comes in and Giaccherini goes for an ambitious bicycle kick which looks destined to find the bottom corner! The Manchester United goalkeeper saves his nation again with the block on the line, while the referee blows for a Spain free-kick.
9'
WHAT A SAVE FROM DE GEA!! Italy are awarded a free-kick a few yards in from the left touchline, which Florenzi takes. He curls a gorgeous cross deep to the back post where Pelle rises high to bullet a header towards the bottom corner, but the Southampton man is thwarted by the Spaniard who somehow gets down to turn behind for a corner!
7'
Some patient build-up play from the Italians on the edge of the Spain penalty area allows De Rossi to receive possession before flighting a lovely pass to the left. The ball eventually finds its way to Eder who just manages to squeeze out a shot on goal, but it trickles harmlessly into the arms of the grateful De Gea.
6'
We get our first glimpse of Nolito in the match, as the Celta winger collects possession deep down the left wing before typically cutting inside on his right foot. He moves into the more central area and looks to take on Barzagli with a cute stepover, only to slip on the surface, surrendering the ball in the process.
4'
A cracking start to the match from Italy, who have already ventured into opposition territory ominously once or twice. De Sciglio and Eder have lead the barrages, but Spain responded to the threat relatively comfortably, with De Gea collecting on both occasions.
2'
Just about the second the game was kicked off, the heavens opened and rain started falling down on to the pitch in droves. The surface was already very slick before this happened, so should be interesting to see how both teams respond in these early stages. Already a few slips!
1'
WE ARE UNDER WAY IN THE STADE DE FRANCE!
With the knockout stage of the European Championships well under way, the participants in the quarter-finals are shaping up nicely, with only two spots left, up for grabs today. The penultimate place in the last-eight will be decided in this encounter between the Azzurri and La Roja, who actually featured against each other in the final of the last Euros back in 2012. On that night in Kiev four years ago, David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres, and Juan Mata were on target in a 4-0 win to seal the trophy for Vicente del Bosque's charges.
Good afternoon football fans! Welcome to LIVE coverage of the Euro 2016 last-16 clash between Italy and Spain from the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
Despite historically being a force in international tournaments, Italy were not particularly fancied heading into France this summer, with a lack of supposed superstars seen as a hindrance compared to some of the other favourites. However, under the tutelage of Antonio Conte, they topped group F and the lit up the tournament with their impressive opening round win over Belgium which saw Europe take notice.
After Spain won their opening two fixtures with relative ease against the Czech Republic and Turkey, it seemed like the reigning champions would once again prove themselves the team to beat in these championships. However, a 2-1 loss against Croatia in the final group game ensured a second-place finish in Group D, and a place in the arguably harder side of the draw, where they now meet Italy.
TEAM NEWS...
This game today means that Italy versus Spain will become the most played fixture in the history of the European Championships. The last competitive match between the nations actually came in the Confederations Cup back in 2013, where La Roja progressed at the semi-final stage after a thrilling 7-6 penalty shoot-out after a 0-0 draw after extra-time. They faced each other in a friendly a few months ago, and it finished 1-1 after goals from Lorenzo Insigne and Aritz Aduriz.
Italy (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Florenzi, Parolo, De Rossi, Giaccherini, De Sciglio; Eder, Pelle.
The players are making their way to the pitch and we are almost ready for some highly passionate renditions of the respective national anthems!
Half-time in Saint-Denis. Italy are in pole position to make their way into the quarter-final of the European Championships as they lead Spain 1-0 at the break here, with Giorgio Chiellini gaining the solitary goal of the match so far. Indeed, the Azzurri will feel they should be more than one up, and would have been if not for the efforts of David de Gea between the sticks for Spain. A very interesting second period to come...
FULL-TIME! ITALY ARE THROUGH! Antonio Conte's men knock out the reigning European Champions and subsequently move into the quarter-finals after a highly impressive 2-0 win over Spain in Saint Denis. Goals on the night came from Giorgio Chiellini and Graziano Pelle, who netted in injury time shortly after Gianluigi Buffon made a stunning save to deny Gerard Pique. A quite fantastic performance! Thanks for joining us - see you next time!
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