For the fourth time in its history, Italy reached the finals of the European championship. Azzurri eliminated Spain in the semis, following a penalty shootout, 4-2.
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Even though they played exceptionally well before the start of the tournament, and in general, over the past two years, the Italians were never in the middle of the media attention, and they never created hype as some other rivals.
Italy In the Finals
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For the 33rd time in a row, Roberto Mancini’s team didn’t lose its match. They would defeat Spain tonight to reach the EURO 2020 finals, which is the fourth time they entered the title game at one continental tournament. Though, they had to go through hell to earn this one.
The first half was amusing in the opening 20 minutes, with two solid attacks, one in front of each goal. But after that, the remaining part of that sequence was pretty boring.
Italy struck through Federico Chiesa after one hour of play. Juventus striker received the ball inside the box on the left side, and with a perfect strike, hit the net of Simon’s goal. Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper really couldn’t do anything to stop the Italians from getting the lead. We need to mention a fantastic pass from Lorenzo Insigne to Ciro Immobile, which preceded the goal.
Luis Enrique’s side started to pump up the tension, and the former Barcelona head coach decided to bring in Alvaro Morata. That turned out to be a jackpot, as Juventus’ other striker leveled the score ten minutes before the end. Dani Olmo stormed towards the goal through the middle, then sent an inch-precise pass to Morata, who routinely beat Donnarumma.
Penalty Roller Coaster
The start of the penalty series was traumatic for the Italian side, as Locatelli dropped his chance to score, that is, Simon stopped the shot. Dani Olmo would instantly reply, missing the entire net, handing the Italians a fresh start.
Andrea Belotti was calm for Azzurri, the same as Moreno for Spain in the second round, and the third saw the same, Bonucci for Italy and Thiago for the Red Fury. Bernardeschi gave Italy a 3-2 lead, and Morata once again became the tragic figure missing his shot from the white spot.
That opened a door for Jorginho to solve the match and send Italy to the finals. One of the best penalty takers in Europe was routine, sending the ball to one side and Simon to the complete opposite. The Italians celebrated their hard earn triumph, while Spain’s players broke down to despair.
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-->Italy now awaits the better from England vs. Demark match. The second EURO 2020 semis are set for tomorrow also at Wembley.