Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea was credited with producing a "miracle" save in Spain's 2-0 Euro 2016 defeat to Italy on Monday.

Although a De Gea error, when he spilled an Eder free kick, led to Italy's opening goal, the goalkeeper then kept the score down with several impressive saves.

The Spain No. 1 had gone into the match under pressure after allowing Croatia's Ivan Perisic to score a late winning goal at his near post in the previous game, meaning that Vicente del Bosque's team lost 2-1.

But the tone for De Gea's performance against Italy was set when he made an agile early block, getting down to his left to thwart a header from Graziano Pelle.

Southampton striker Pelle did beat De Gea when he added Italy's second goal in injury time, but he was impressed with the United goalkeeper.

"Scoring at the end feels great, but I had also tried in the first half and De Gea performed a miracle," Pelle said. "He's done that to me before in the Premier League too, so I reminded him and we had a laugh."

Discussing Italy's performance, Pelle added: "Once again we showed we had heart, determination and a lot more besides. This team is not just attack, defence or midfield. We are a united group and this is fundamental."