European champions Spain were outclassed, outperformed and booted out of Euro 2016 by a tactically efficient Italian side at the one sixteenth stage of the competition.

Graziano Pelle nailed the Spanish coffin deep into regulation time after a Georgio Chiellini goal in the 33rd minute to bury a crestfallen golden generation of a Spanish side that had won everything at international level.

The Spanish side led Ramos were a pale shadow of the side that won the tournament four years ago, lacking depth and dexterity upfront. And the few attempts at goal were thwarted by an industrious Buffon who gets even more excellent with age.

Perhaps it was more a case of a ruthlessly efficient  Italian side than one of a tardy Spanish team because Antonio Conte's side dominated play for most part.

As early as the 8th minute, Conte's men were on fire, running down a weak tired Spanish limbs in defence but were unlucky to open an early account. De Gea pulled off a great finger tip save to an incisive header, denying the Italian side an early lead.

Two minutes later, the Manchester United man again parried a goal bound half volley which took a little brush off the post for a corner kick which was eventually wasted.

The Spanish side  looked uninspiring going forward and nervous  in defence and when Ramos gave away a free kick at the edge of the box in the 33rd minute, it was going to be disastrous for the defending champions. And it was. A perfectly struck shot was parried by De gea into the path of Chillieni who made no mistake with his rebound.

The European side could still not find their rhythm even in the face of defeat and could only manage one shot on target which was well dealt with by Buffon in the 44th minute.

After recess the Spaniards returned with a desperate hope for an equalizer and it was Morata who had the most glaring opportunity to pull even but with a free header in the six yard box, the Real Madrid returnee headed into the waiting arms of Buffon.

In the 54th minute Italy had the opportunity to increase the tally after a great build up but with only De Gea to beat, Eder shot feebly into the United man.

With the clock inching to a close, the defending champions pushed men forward, with the coach bringing in Vasquez for a redundant Morata. That brought some bite in attack but not a goal as Buffon pulled off great back to back saves in the 75th minute.

With the Sapnish defence left completely exposed the Italians left it late to put the icing on the cake and it was Pelle who connected a sweet pass from the right for what will be the send off party for the Spaniards.

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