Italy would already have qualified for the World Cup if not for two Jorginho penalty errors, but Roberto Mancini keeps faith with the Chelsea man. ‘He converted seven in a row after that.’
The Azzurri finished runners-up behind Switzerland in the group phase after stalemates both home and away.
In both those games, Jorginho failed to convert a penalty, including one he fired off target deep into stoppages in their crucial head-to-head.
Jorginho also saw his spot-kick saved during the UEFA EURO 2020 Final penalty shoot-out against England at Wembley, before Gianluigi Donnarumma ensured Italy took the trophy.
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At today’s press conference ahead of the World Cup play-off semi-final with North Macedonia, Mancini was asked if Jorginho would still be allowed to take a penalty in this showdown.
“After the two with Switzerland, he converted the next seven in a row, so he’s got his precision back,” assured the CT.
“It won’t be a problem, if there’s a penalty, we’ll take it.”
Throughout his career, Jorginho has only ever failed to convert six out of 44 penalties – not including shoot-outs.
The most recent two were both for Italy against Switzerland, while he got three wrong for Chelsea and just one in the Napoli jersey back in November 2017.
Jorginho has not failed from the spot for Chelsea since a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal in December 2020, converting 13 in a row at club level.
His last successful Italy penalty in normal time was in a 2-0 Nations League victory over Poland in November 2020.
Forza Jorgi
Very bad call. Converting for club is totally different. He missed because of the psychological pressure. Some players can handle it and some can’t. Nothing to do with precision.
Jorginho deserves the bench. Veratti, Barella, Sensi and Pellegrini are all way better than him. They have other PK takers. Why him? smh Mancini
Berardi should take the penos as he is better. Sensi shouldn’t be in the squad a she isn’t fully fit and only played 6 games this year. Belotti is not fit and should never play for Italy again
No. No. Just no. Jorginho deserves the bench — you’re not wrong Carletto.
Play pellegrini he is on fire right now . We need attacking players and they need to play with that pressing that saw them smash teams in euro group stage and euro qualifiers
Jorginho is such an overrated midfielder. Mancini is determined to miss the world cup. A shame.