Euro 2016: 5 jinxes that were & weren't broken at this edition

Broken: Italy against Spain

Italy defeated Spain in a competitive fixture for the first time since 1994.

Italy’s last victory against Spain in a competitive match came 22 years ago, at the 1994 World Cup. In three other encounters before Euro 2016, Spain won on penalties at Euro 2008, drew in the group stages of Euro 2012 and won 4-0 in the finals of Euro 2012, etching their dominance over Italy at major tournaments.

After being humiliated by Spain in the Euro 2012 final, the Azzuri faced the daunting prospect of facing the flamboyant La Roja in the Round of 16 fixture of Euro 2016. Both teams came into this fixture following losses in their final group match.

Italy, more organized and aggressive, deservedly took the lead after Chiellini put them ahead in the 33rd minute. The stubborn Italian defence sustained the Spanish pressure in the second half, before a late volley from Pelle sealed their victory and the 22-year long wait for a victory against Spain in a competitive match came to an end, thus ending the jinx.