Italy Defeat Spain on Penalties to Reach Euro 2020 Final!
Italy Defeat Spain on Penalties to Reach Euro 2020 Final! The Italians reached their first major tournament final since 2006.
Italy Defeat Spain on Penalties to Reach Euro 2020 Final! The Italians reached their first major tournament final since 2006.
Italy defeated Spain 4-2 on penalties to reach the final at Wembley. This is after their 1-1 draw after extra-time in the extremely tense semi-final.
It was a super cagey affair at Wembley as both Italy and Spain weren’t keen on giving too much away. However, the Spanish absolutely dominated possession, particularly in the first half.
As much as Spain dominated possession, they had nothing to show for it in the second half. The scores were 0-0 at half-time.
Italy took the lead in the 60th minute through a classy Frederico Chiesa finish. Spain was stung.
Substitute striker Alvaro Morata found the equaliser for Spain in the 80th minute, 10 minutes before the game ended.
There was nothing to split the sides at extra time.
Spain’s Dani Olmo and Alvaro Morata missed their penalties, which allowed Jorginho to score the winning penalty for Italy.
They will face either Denmark or England in the final at Wembley on Sunday (11 July 2021).
“There are some games when you have to suffer, but we deserved to be here.” Italy manager Roberto Mancini told UEFA.com.
“We knew it was going to be tough. It wasn’t easy, and Spain surprised us at the start by deciding to play without a striker.
“This group, however, is amazing. Everyone wants to win, but this group of players wanted to do something special and they just did that.” The elated Italian coach said.
Spain coach Luis Enrique was classy in defeat. He is already looking forward to next year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
“In professional sport we all have to learn how to win and how to take defeat. That’s why I want to congratulate Italy.
“We’re going back home to Spain safe in the knowledge that we were clearly amongst the best teams at this tournament.”
- Italy 1:1 Spain (Italy win 4-2 on penalties)
- 6 July 2021
- Wembley Stadium, London
Italy Defeat Spain on Penalties to Reach Euro 2020 Final!
