06/07/2021
Ice Cold Italian Job!
Spain took on Italy for the first semi-final of Euro 2020 at Wembley. Roberto Mancini made one change as leftback Emerson replaced the injured Spinazolla, a massive blow. Meanwhile, Luis Enrique woke up and chose violence as he dropped Alvaro Morata and chose not to play a striker at all, the gamble paid off as Spain dominated the early exchanges and hounded the ball more than usual. Pedri, the reincarnation of Andrés Iniesta, put Oyarzabal through on goal but he failed to convert the chance because of a poor first touch. In the 21st minute, Italy had an opportunity to take the lead as Emerson's cutback took goalkeeper Unai Simon out of equation but Barella failed to make up his mind and Busquets came to the rescue. Minutes later, a rebound fell into Dani Olmo's feet but he was denied by a brilliant save from Donnarumma.
It was end to end stuff in the second half as both teams went toe to toe in the early stages of the second half.
On the hour-mark, Italy went on a counter and the ball fell in Chiesa's feet, he looked up and had glory in his sight, an opportunity to write his name in the history books and finished it with a lovely curl shot. It looked like one of those days as Oyarzabal failed to make any contact with Koke's cheeky lob pass. Bonnuci and Chielini, the Italian old guard were on song as they neutralized the Spanish advances.
With 15 minutes to, substitute Alvaro Morata found himself unmarked in opposition half, after a lovely give and go with Olmo, Morata sent Donnarumma the wrong way and level the score at 1-1.
Spain dominated the possession as Italy took the sting out of the game, the game was set for a penalty shootout. The Italians held their nerves as Jorginho converted the decisive penalty to send Italy to the promise land. Nine years after losing the Euro 2012 final to Spain, Italy came out on top this time as they shattered all odds and demonstrated their elite football heritage.
