Tactical masterclass: Italy dumps reigning king Spain out of Euro 2016

Antonio Conte has engineered another tactical masterclass.

After stunning Belgium in the Azzurri's opening match of Euro 2016, the fiery bench boss watched on as his side comprehensively topped Spain 2-0 in Monday's Round of 16 contest, sending the two-time defending champion crashing out of the tournament in another impressive upset.

Giorgio Chiellini and Graziano Pelle scored the goals as Italy exacted revenge for its Euro 2012 final loss, the former bumbling the ball over the line in the 33rd minute before the latter smashed home a volley in the waning seconds to secure the victory.

Related - Watch: Pelle smashes volley to send Italy into quarter-finals

The win, which saw the Italian defence at its impenetrable best, sets up a quarter-final meeting with Germany.

A series of David De Gea saves kept Spain in the match, but the quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Euro title disintegrated as Gianluigi Buffon and his Juventus back-three of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini snuffed out a limp Spain attack.

Spain had lost just one of its previous 11 meetings with Italy, including a 4-0 win in the Euro 2012 final. But the Azzurri were by far the better side in the opening 45 minutes and could have been more than one goal up at the break; Manchester United shot-stopper De Gea made a handful of vital, stunning saves throughout the contest at the Stade de France.

And still, it wasn't enough for the two-time reigning European champion.

The continent will crown a new king on July 10, and, to the surprise of so many, Italy is still in with a shot of claiming the throne.

With files from Agence France-Presse