Italy demanded penalties to reach the Euro 2020 final and defeated Spain on kicks after the match ended 1-1.
The initial 45 minutes were captivating, although neither side found the net. Pedri pulled the strings for Spain and he beat Mikel Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo for his team’s best chances in the half.
Meanwhile, Italy looked dangerous during the break with Emerson hitting the woodwork just before the break.
During the second half it was quite open and in the hour Azzurri took the game opener. The scorer was Federico Chiesa, who held on to a loose ball in the box and curled an unstoppable effort in the far corner.
Spain pressed hard for an equalizer and eventually found a breakthrough with substitute Alvaro Morata who finished a free-floating move with ten minutes on the clock.
The perfect one-two to unlock the Italian defense?
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This strike sent the game to extra time. During the additional period, Spain looked most likely to score. However, Italy thought they had won it in the second half through Domenico Berardi, only because his fine finish was chalked offside.
In the shooting, each team’s first player missed. This was followed by four successful spot-kicks before Morata failed to convert, allowing Jorginho to send Italy to the final. The Azzurri play either Denmark or England on Sunday, depending on the result of Wednesday’s second semi-final.
Here is every set of players rated at Wembley …
Emerson impressed in the future / ANDY RAIN / Getty Images
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) – 6/10 – His passing was sometimes bad and pressured his side. Made every save he was forced into without too much trouble.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo (RB) – 7/10 – Performed a bit of junk work on Ferran Torres’s, who successfully limited his influence. Defended very well overall.
Leonardo Bonucci (CB) – 6/10 – Sometimes played effectively in the Spanish press. Pulled around by Morata for the equalizer.
Giorgio Chiellini (CB) – 6/10 – Struggled early with the deep position Dani Olmo took up. Grew into the game after this but was bambozled by Morata for the equalizer.
Emerson (LB) – 7/10 – Had big shoes to fill in Leonardo Spinazzola’s absence but stepped up to the challenge. Came in behind a few times and carried the ball dangerously.
Barella was everywhere / Matt Dunham – Pool / Getty Images
Nico Barella (CM) – 6/10 – Did some late runs in the box. Was also tireless from the ball and helped Italy fight in midfield.
Jorginho (CM) – 6/10 – Outshone by Sergio Busquets in the battle between the deep-seated playmakers. Still had his moments, even though he was not on the ball as much as he would have liked.
Marco Verratti (CM) – 7/10 – A lively screen. He was Italy’s best midfielder and did a bit of everything.
What a Moment / Matt Dunham – Pool / Getty Images
Federico Chiesa (RW) – 8/10 – His direct driving caused Spain some problems early on. Finish was fantastic for the goal.
Ciro Immobile (ST) – 5/10 – Isolated for the first 45 minutes, barely touching the ball. Got behind a few times after the break before I was subbed.
Lorenzo Insigne (LW) – 5/10 – His least effective time in the tournament early. Improved slightly after the break but was still replaced before full time.
Berardi added something to the Italian attack / Justin Tallis – Pool / Getty Images
Domenico Berardi – 7/10 – A real threat. He had an effort that was well saved by Simon during normal time.
Rafael Toloi – 5/10 – Came on, got a yellow in extra time. That was pretty much it.
Matteo Pessina – 6/10 – Added energy to his tiring side.
Andrea Belotti – 6/10 – Helped his side to eat the clock in extra time. Incorrectly placed a consistent ball to Berardi that could have been decisive.
Manuel Locatelli – 6/10 – Nice and tidy – but missed his penalty.
Federico Bernardeschi – N / A
Simon was a little shaky / Justin Tallis – Pool / Getty Images
Unai Simon (GK) – 6/10 – A couple of suspicious moments. However, he made some important stops.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RB) – 5/10 – Caused serious problems by his Chelsea club mate Emerson early on. Not always convincing.
Eric Garcia (CB) – 6/10 – Passing was always spotless. Was not forced into a huge amount of defense but should have done better for Chiesa’s goal.
Aymeric Laporte (CB) – 7/10 – Made a real hash of a clearance in the lead up to Chiesa’s goal. Besides, he defended well, which made the mistake all the more frustrating.
Jordi Alba (LB) – 6/10 – Delivery was missing and he struggled to cause Di Lorenzo so many problems. Not bad defensively.
Pedri was Fantastic / Matt Dunham – Pool / Getty Images
Koke (CM) – 7/10 – Provided the bit and the industry needed Spain’s midfield. Got his team started with some fantastic passes after they let in.
Sergio Busquets (CM) – 7/10 – Italy gave him far too much space early on and he used it to completely control the game. After this strong start, his influence grew and diminished.
Pedri (CM) – 8/10 – Did not lose a single pass in the first half and chopped out his side’s best chances. Felt like his arrival as a superstar early, but he faded slightly after the break.
Oyarzabal wasted two great chances / Andy Rain – Pool / Getty Images
Ferran Torres (RW) – 5/10 – Had a couple of bright moments in the last third. But to a large extent, Di Lorenzo kept him imprisoned.
Dani Olmo (ST) – 7/10 – Implemented in a deep, false nine role. His positioning caused Italy real problems and the coupling was sublime. Set Morata for the equalizer. Shame on the punishment …
Mikel Oyarzabal (LW) – 4/10 – Needed to be more clinical. He wasted two good chances that ultimately cost his team dearly.
Morata liked his doubts / Facundo Arrizabalaga – Pool / Getty Images
Alvaro Morata – 7/10 – Showed terrible indecision which meant that a huge chance became begging. Made up for it before the end of normal time by finishing a great move. Again, shame about the punishment.
Gerard Moreno – 5/10 – A little quiet.
Rodri – 6/10 – Helped his side dominate possession after coming in.
Marcos Llorente – 6/10 – Flawless on the ball and was also positive.
Thiago Alcantara – 5/10 – Looked weird, misplaced basic workouts.
Pau Torres – Not applicable
