Italy beat Spain in Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night in the semi-final of Euro 2020 and secured the spot in the final.
After ending the first half goalless, Italy went ahead thanks to the goal by Federico Chiesa. But, the lead was wiped out by Alvaro Morata late into the game. Over the 30 extra minutes, the scoreline reminded the same. In the end, the Azzurri came away victorious in penalties by 4-2 and booked the place for the final.
The Azzurri will encounter one of the winners in the other semi-final where England will go head-to-head against Denmark and the final of Euro 2020 will take place in Wembley Stadium on Sunday night.
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Italy 1-1 Spain team news:
Roberto Mancini went with his preferred 4-3-3 formation and made only one change from the previous game against Belgium. Emerson Palmieri came into the side for injured Leonardo Spinazzola.
Luis Enrique went with the 4-3-3 false formation as well and made three changes from the previous game. Mikel Oyerzabal started ahead of Alvaro Morata and Eric García was in the centre back alongside Aymeric Laport in place of Pau Torres. Pablo Sarabia was replaced by Dani Olmo.
Italy 1-1 Spain Post-match analysis:
Italy struggled to play their trademark free-flowing passing football against Spain’ press. Mancini’s side could not manage a single attempt. The Azzurri got a great chance when Unai Simon miss read the ball and came a long way away from the goal. But Italy could not put the ball in an empty net.
Spain were the clear better side; they created a lot more chances and looked comfortable with the ball. They capitalised on the lack of athleticism of Jorginho and found pockets of spaces in midfield. The best opportunity came in the way of Dani Olmo but his attempt brilliantly saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Despite Italy’s struggle against the Spanish press, they got the first laugh of the game from a counterattack. Laport’s tackle fell nicely for Chiesa and his curling shot went past Simon who was rooted on the spot.
Spain found the equaliser from a great one-two between Olmo and substitute Morata and a great through ball from the Leipzig man was nicely converted by the Juventus forward.
Meanwhile, the game slowed down in the extra time and neither side showed the desire to win the game during this period. In the shoot-out, Dani Olmo and Morata missed their penalties for Spain and Manuel Locatelli missed for Italy, in the end, the Azzurri won the tie-breaker by 4-2.
Notable Performances:
Dani Olmo: The Leipzig man was excellent on the day. Every good thing that Spain did in this game, he had some contribution to it. He also set up the goal for Morata.
Federico Chiesa: Could not produce his best but scored an excellent goal and troubled the Spanish backline with his pace.
Alvaro Morata: Came on as a substitute for Ferran Torres and scored the equaliser for Luis Enrique’s side but his missed penalty in the shoot-out made him from hero to zero.
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