It feels like we started a month-long festival through European football just a few days ago, but somehow Euro 2020 has already reached its conclusion.
Italy blew away the tournament – they now stand at 34 undefeated – and act more like confident lions rather than the “dark horses” they would be. The Azzurri eventually tasted glory when they beat England 3-2 on penalties in the European Championship 2020 final at Wembley, which secured their first European Championship crown in 53 years.
Italy lifts trophy / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images
It was a tournament victory based on team spirit, effective and creative play and disciplined defensive work. But there were also several fantastic performances among Roberto Mancini’s team during the tournament – and one that really stood out was Federico Chiesa.
Coming into Euro 2020, many may have guessed at Ciro Immobile or Lorenzo Insigne for being the main hit men in attack, but when it really mattered, Chiesa has been the one to show up and inspire his team’s development.
With a completely dominant group game, the Juventus man’s effect may have been somewhat unnoticed, but as the game got deeper into the tournament, he stepped up.
Boy, did he step up?
Federico Chiesa bends one in the far corner towards Spain / Matt Dunham – Pool / Getty Images
When Italy’s quarter-final against Austria went into extra time, it was Chiesa who came up with a magical goal to put Mancini’s side 1-0 – a goal that would encourage the Italians to go through with the permission of the 2-1 line.
The wing also gave its side forward in the semi-final against Spain, curling in a fantastic strike past a desperate Unai Simon and set off to celebrate in typically passionate Italian style. And in Sunday’s final, he was desperately unlucky not to score a beautiful goal outside the area and narrowly drag his effort from a helpless Jordan Pickford’s post.
But it is not just his two strikes and constant goal threats in the tournament that have made him shine.
Chiesa is an absolute workhorse; time and time again he has been one of the most persistent players on the field, tracing back and using combat in defensive tasks. His blowing pace and good-looking feet have made his tireless and direct run against the opposition a nightmare to deal with, and he has looked most likely among Italian attackers to create and make things happen in dangerous areas – a threat to play against and integrated into a regenerated Italy which has once again reached the top.
Federico Chiesa with the Trophy / Claudio Villa / Getty Images
He has very rarely been less than 8/10 when it has really mattered and he has been a shining light for a wonderful and tournament-winning Italian side.
He may have impressed during the 2020/21 season with 16 goals A-goals – and will undoubtedly continue his astonishing form at Old Lady next semester – but it has been with a blowing and inspiring performance at Euro 2020 this summer that Chiesa has established himself as a real superstar.
