Italy international and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho couldn’t help but have flashbacks of his EURO 2020 Final error when facing Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford from the spot.
The former Napoli and Verona man was horrified when his penalty was saved during the decisive shoot-out at Wembley Stadium last summer, although Gianluigi Donnarumma’s save on Bukayo Saka moments later ensured Italy lifted the trophy regardless.
So when deciding Chelsea’s opening Premier League match of the season against Everton, Jorginho inevitably thought back to that day.
“Of course you think about it, you worry during the week, thinking what the keeper might do at that moment. I took a decision and fortunately it was the right decision this time.”
He didn’t go for the trademark ‘stutter’ run-up, suggesting he is bringing more versatility to his technique.
“Definitely, for me penalty is 70-75 per cent in the head, so I thought a lot, I trained and fortunately today it went well.”
Italy can only hope Jorginho has found a new psychological balance from the spot, considering two failed penalties against Switzerland proved decisive for World Cup qualification.