Italy 1-1 Spain (4-2 on pens): Three Things We Learned

We now know the identity of one finalist in this year’s Euro 2020 final after an enthralling semi-final at Wembley last night. Italy and Spain went head to head in a game that featured a relentless pace, ending in the most dramatic way imaginable – penalties.

After some back and forth luck for both nations it was the Italians who came out on top with 4-2 shootout triumph to book their place in Sunday’s final.

Euros thriller

This was the definition of a classic and it didn’t need to have six or seven goals in order to stake that claim. Spain came forward with real intent and served as the primary reason why this was such a fascinating encounter, whereas the Azzurri knew how efficient they were on the counter and used it to their advantage. They took the lead before being pegged back but as a whole, this was so entertaining to watch and a real testament to what both teams are capable of.

Overachieving Spain

Luis Enrique has a lot to be proud of and outside of not playing Adama Traore more, it’s really difficult to fault him. He was one of the few people who believed in this team and what they could bring to the table, and they showcased why with a display that could’ve easily earned them a spot in the final on another night. If they can continue to build on this momentum heading into the World Cup next year, they could be on to something special.

Italian favourites?

Roberto Mancini has turned this team into an absolute force of nature and you can bet they’re going to do everything in their power to lift that trophy on Sunday. The tired legs from extra time and penalties may play on their mind but either way, they’ll still have an extra day to compare in comparison to Denmark or England. We think they’ll be seen as favourites regardless of who goes through tonight, marking a sensational turnaround after a three-year period of unprecedented success.

There are just three teams left in the race, but the Azzurri are definitely leading the way.

Match Report

Italy: Donnarumma (8), Lorenzo (7), Chiellini (7), Bonucci (7.5), Toloi (6), Locatelli (6), Jorginho (7.5), Pessina (6), Bernardeschi (6.5), Belotti (6.5), Berardi (6.5), Insigne (6.5), Immobile (6.5), Chiesa (7.5), Barella (6), Verratti (7), Emerson (6.5)

Spain: Simon (7), Llorente (6.5), Laporte (7), Torres (6), Alba (6.5), Rodri (6.5), Thiago (6.5), Pedri (6.5), Moreno (6.5), Olmo (7), Morata (7), Torres (6.5), Oyarzabal (6.5), Koke (6.5), Busquets (6.5), Garcia (6.5), Azpilicueta (6)

Referee: Dr. Felix Brych

Goals: Chiesa :: Morata

Yellow Cards: Bonucci, Toloi, Busquets

Red Cards: N/A