Andres Iniesta said Spain were too focused on Italy after the two-time European champions crashed out of the European Championship in the first knockout stage.
Title holders Spain were sent packing from the tournament on Monday, accounted for 2-0 by the efficient Italians at Stade de France in Paris.
Goals from Giorgi Chiellini and a stoppage time volley from Graziano Pelle condemned Spain to a last 16 exit and star midfielder Iniesta bemoaned the fact that the 2008 and 2012 champions strayed from their natural game.
"There's little to say," Iniesta said. "We have to accept the disappointment and that they were more efficient in the key moments and they outdid us.
"I think we were focused too much on what they were doing and sometimes that can punish you.
"In the first half we got it wrong, we were looking too much at what they were doing and that hurt us. In the second half it was different, we were ourselves."
Italy advance to play World Champions Germany in the quarter-finals, with the winners set to play the victor of France versus Iceland.