Italy continued their storming Euro 2020 run by reaching the final after beating Spain in a thrilling semi final penalty shootout.
Mancini’s men are now unbeaten in 33 games as they now prepare for a major final for the first time since 2012. This was another win built on typical Italian defense. As the tournament has progressed the Azzurri have reverted to their traditional solid defensive methods. This comes after a free scoring approach in the group stages. But now as the tournament reaches its end, the famed Italian defence is back to its best.
Federico Chiesa, their best player on the pitch put them ahead on 60 minutes. Italy were seeing out the game, with Spain looking lively but not threatening. However the introduction of Alvaro Moratta turned the game. The striker came off the bench and scored an equalizer with 10 games to go. Italy registered a single shot between the equalizer and the shootout, displaying their change in approach since the knockouts began.
In the shootout both teams missed their first kicks. Andrea Belotti then put Italy ahead, with teams scoring to leave the score 2 all. Alvaro Moratta, Spain’s scorer in normal time missed the penalty for his side and then Jorginho stepped up to coolly dispatch his spot kick sending Italy into the final in London on Sunday.
Pain for Spain.
For Spain this was a defeat hard to take as they had probably put up their best display of the tournament. They went behind to a fantastic Chiesa goal but then looked lively throughout. Their only problem was being clinical in the final third, which ultimately cost them. This was Spain’s first ever defeat in a semi final of a major tournament. Still this bunch of players will grow and have another opportunity for success as the Olympic tournament starts in Tokyo in 17 days.
Italy march on
Italy march on as they look to end their Euro 2020 final. Mancini has build this team closer to a classic Italian side. Tight at the back and clinical in front of the goal. A Euro final now awaits them as they head back to Wembley, remarkable turnaround for a team that failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. They are now one win away from winning their first European Championship since 1968, looking to bury the ghosts of 2000 and 2012 when they lost in the finals.
