José Mourinho believes Italy had been better than what they showed against Spain, although the Azzurri ‘deserved to win’ on penalties.
Roberto Mancini’s side booked a place in the UEFA Euro 2020 Final beating La Roja on penalties in the semis.
“It’s always a pity for a team that loses on penalty, but it’s the reality of football. They [Italy] coped with pressure in a better way, the one that wins deserve to win, but it was a big football match,” Mourinho told TalkSport.
“Spain created great difficulties, playing without a No.9, Italy defence had no reference, no men to mark, Spain had Olmo and were in control of the ball possession, and Italy were in a difficult situation, I didn’t expect the 1-0 and Spain reacted, scoring a goal and sending the game to extra time,” the Special One continued.
“I feel Italy were what they used to be in the past years, solid, patient, defensive, and always compact. But Italy until now was not that, was much better than that.
“Until yesterday, Italy were the best team in the Euros, or one of the best. Playing well with creations in midfield, the triangle Verratti, Jorginho and Barella has been fantastic. They were really good until yesterday.
“Spain were really good, but I was disappointed in extra time they didn’t have a different approach because, with so many changes to make also in extra time, they could try a little bit more.
“Maybe Adama Traore could create trouble in the last 10-15 minutes, Chiellini was completely dead, for some reason he didn’t play and then penalties are an art. You must have that quality and emotional control with a huge responsibility.”
Roma full-back Leonardo Spinazzola watched the game from home after undergoing an Achilles tendon surgery and will return to action in six months.
“He won’t be able to return before January, he will be like a new signing in the winter transfer window,” Mourinho confirmed.