Italy can absolutely lock it down defensively when they want to. It's part and parcel of the Serie A game and historically Italy plays (and wins) a lot of 1-0 matches....they don't even blink at the scoreline....a result is a result and 'negative' tactics are nothing to be ashamed of for the Azzurri.
That may have been the single worst penalty call i've ever seen. The man tripped. No way that should have been a red and a penalty. 3-0 Spain.