Roberto Mancini and Italy are through to the final of the UEFA Euro 2020 after beating Spain in the semi-final. Federico Chiesa and Alvaro Morata scored for either side before the Azzurri claimed the victory in the ensuing shootout.
Italy’s free-flowing football has caught the eye of many throughout the Euros. However, against Spain, the Azzurri were on the back foot from the very beginning. Spain dominated the midfield with Pedri, Koke, and Sergio Busquets getting the better of Jorginho, Marco Verratti, and Nicolo Barella.
Consequently, La Roja carved out the best opportunities in the first half. Mikel Oyarzabal ghosted past the Italian backline but failed to control a stunning reverse pass from Pedri. Dani Olmo then tested Gianluigi Donnarumma from close range, only to be thwarted by the goalkeeper.
The breakthrough arrived against the run of play in the second half. A fast break allowed Italy to catch the Spanish defence out of shape. Lorenzo Insigne played a defence-splitting pass towards Ciro Immobile, which was only cut out at the last second by Aymeric Laporte.
However, the ball fell luckily in the feet of Federico Chiesa, who curled it superbly past a rooted Unai Simon. Spain equalized in the 80th minute; a quick one-two with Olmo sent substitute Alvaro Morata through on goal, and he placed the ball in the corner.
Extra-time, and subsequently, a penalty shootout ensued. Olmo and Manuel Locatelli missed the first kick for either side, before Gerard Moreno, Andrea Belotti, Thiago Alcantara, and Leonardo Bonucci scored theirs. Federico Bernardeschi made it 3-2 in favour of Italy before Morata missed from the spot, allowing Jorginho to win the match for his team.
The Azzurri must now wait to learn their opponent for the trophy clash, with England set to play Denmark in the other semi-final.
