La Roja faced Italy at Wembley Stadium in London on Tuesday evening for a place in the final of Euro 2020, losing 4-2 on penalties after drawing 1-1 after extra-time.
The first half was tightly contested, with Spain seeing the majority of the ball but failing to put the Italians to the sword. The performance of 18-year-old Pedri, at the heart of the Spanish midfield, had everyone watching swooning.
Amazing stat. Pedri is 18 years old https://t.co/HLhrKBDYdQ
— Simon Kuper (@KuperSimon) July 6, 2021
It was the Italians, however, that took a potentially decisive lead on the hour mark. They broke ruthlessly in a counter-attack instigated by the excellent Gianluigi Donnarumma and finished artfully by Federico Chiesa. Spain got back on level terms heading into the final ten minutes; Alvaro Morata, much maligned this summer, finished superbly after being played in by Dani Olmo.
ITALY HAVE DONE IT!
THEY BOOK THEIR PLACE IN THE EURO 2020 FINAL! 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/9qIynJzOev
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 6, 2021
Morata went from hero to villain in the penalty shootout, however, missing a decisive penalty for Spain that enabled Jorginho to convert the winning kick with composure. Roberto Mancini’s men will face either England or Denmark in the final.
There was a funny moment just before the penalty shootout got underway between both captains, Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini and Spain’s Jordi Alba. The former embraced the latter tightly during the coin toss; although Alba didn’t seem to appreciate it.
Penalties for a place in the Euro final and Giorgio Chiellini is all smiles 😂
Jordi Alba, not so much. pic.twitter.com/yjl04Ngtvw
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 6, 2021
