Marco Benassi bagged a brace against England, but it was “really tough to swallow” Italy’s European Championship elimination.
The Azzurrini beat England 3-1 to finish joint second in Group B, but went out thanks to a 1-1 draw between Portugal and Sweden.
“It hurts even more, especially as 10 minutes from the end we saw Portugal were leading. It was really tough to swallow,” Torino midfielder Benassi told Rai Sport.
Marco Benassi bagged a brace against England, but it was “really tough to swallow” Italy’s European Championship elimination.
The Azzurrini beat England 3-1 to finish joint second in Group B, but went out thanks to a 1-1 draw between Portugal and Sweden.
“It hurts even more, especially as 10 minutes from the end we saw Portugal were leading. It was really tough to swallow,” Torino midfielder Benassi told Rai Sport.
There were fears before the game that Portugal and Sweden would ‘stitch up’ Italy, knowing a draw would send both teams through.
“We had to win and we did. We just have to accept it. I don’t want to think the worst, as I hope in a European Championship this was a natural draw.”