a more defensive Italy defeats Spain and qualifies for the final

A victory and a qualification obtained at the end of the night. Clearly dominated in the game by an attractive Spanish team, Italy qualified, Tuesday, July 6, for the final of Euro 2021 on penalties (1-1; 4 tab 2). In front of more than 60,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium in London, the light finally came from Jorginho who calmly scored the last shot on goal, just after the one missed by Alvaro Morata.

The latter, much criticized in Spain and replacing at the start of the meeting, had nevertheless managed to bring his team back to the scoreboard during regular time (80^e), after Italy’s opening scoring by Federico Chiesa (60^e).

The match, very animated, was especially settled in the second half, the two teams surrendering blow for blow. Very inspired with long possession streaks, the Spaniards had many opportunities to overthrow Italy after the equalizer but the Italian defense held, despite the fatigue and the waves that swept over Donnarumma’s cages. The Squadra Azzura, which connects a 33^e undefeated match, showed a different face since the start of the Euro by being more defensive and acting especially on blocks that have hurt Spain very badly.

“We knew we would suffer”

Despite a few chances still at the start of extra time, La Roja could not avoid another penalty shootout after the victorious one against Switzerland. And it started well as goalkeeper Simon took out Locatelli’s first attempt. But Olmo, then Morata, the unfortunate hero, allowed Squadra Azzura to take a definite advantage in this tense session. Thanks to this victory, the Italian selection finds the final of the Euro, nine years after the last, lost in 2012 against… Spain.

“It was a very tough game. Spain are a very great team, which have played very well. We had a good match, not quite as usual …, greeted Roberto Mancini after the meeting. We knew we would suffer in such a match. They put us in trouble. They are masters in controlling the ball. ” Italy will therefore aim for its second coronation after that of 1968 on Sunday at Wembley. It will be against England or Denmark, who face each other on Wednesday at 9 p.m.