Italy brought back their famous defensive resolve to battle to penalties against Spain, writes Oli Coates, as the Azzurri saw off La Roja in a nerve-wracking shootout to reach the UEFA Euro 2020 Final.
“L’Italia e’ una repubblica democratica, fondata sul lavoro.” If Italy is a democratic republic founded on work, then the same can be said about the Azzurri on Tuesday night. Italian players were pulling up with cramps left, right and centre under the Wembley arch, lying on their backs staring up at the London night sky, wondering if all their effort was going to be worth it.
What a shift it was. Front to back, the Italians worked their socks off to keep their defensive shape and ensure the majority of Spain’s 908 passes posed little threat to their goal. There were some nervy moments, but despite enjoying 70% possession, La Furia Roja showed little of the fury their nickname suggests. Roberto Mancini made some bold substitutions to keep his team fresh, with that energy allowing Italy to get through a tough end to the match.
Federico Chiesa said before the semi-final that the Azzurri would try to bring some joy to injured teammate Leonardo Spinazzola. The Roma left-back was a big miss against Spain, with Emerson Palmieri partially unable to replicate Spina’s energy and attacking impetus. That affected the whole Italian side going forward, with the cohesion that’s been so impressive so far this summer notably lacking.
Chiesa was true to his word, curling a beautiful effort beyond Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon to put Italy ahead in the 60th minute. That would be one of just four attempts the Azzurri managed to get on target across the entire 120 minutes of action. Once in front, Italy reverted back to the solid defensive shape they’ve become so well known for over the years. Chiesa, meanwhile, would eventually go off with cramp.
This Italian team has brought so much attacking flair to these Euros, but against a stifling Spain side which began with a false nine and no recognised striker, there were few opportunities to showcase that on Tuesday. The Azzurri defended their lead for 20 minutes, but the Spanish onslaught continued and Italy were reluctant to commit too many men forward in extra time. That was probably wise, given the previously cohesive front-three of Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne and Chiesa was withdrawn one at a time as Italian backs went to the wall.
And yet, after all the exertion, all the strained sinews, all the miles in the legs, it was a casual, whimsical, nonchalant hop and a skip from midfielder Jorginho that sent Italy into Sunday’s final. He may be underrated and have been forced to chase shadows for much of this game in a departure from his usual command of possession. Yet there was a real sense of poetic justice in this tie coming down to one gentle stroke of the Chelsea man’s right boot. No fuss, in the face of such high stakes and drama.
As we all know, following Italy at a major tournament is rarely easy. Especially when coming up against their old nemesis Spain, who had never failed to progress from a semi-final of a major tournament in five previous attempts. Indeed, Azzurri goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma spoke of Italy’s suffering to the end of 120 minutes.
And yet, Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini was all smiles, hugs and even playful digs to the face during the toss for the penalty shootout. Whether it was an act to get inside the head of opposite number Jordi Alba and his Spanish cohorts, or simply a reflection of the joy Chiellini was experiencing to be involved in such a big occasion a month shy of his 37th birthday and after a career-threatening injury a couple of years ago, it worked.
Italy may have seen their first spot-kick saved, but their players seemed to approach their penalties with a little more assuredness and calmness than their rivals. Juventus striker Alvaro Morata looked particularly nervous, producing a poor attempt that proved decisive and erased the memory of his earlier equaliser to get Spain back on level terms.
EURO 2020: Italy vs. Spain player ratings as Azzurri reach Final
Now the Azzurri can rest, recover, and enjoy an extra day off before the Final on Sunday. Either hosts England or most people’s second team at this tournament, Denmark, will be Italy’s opponents. Both teams pose a threat, but neither has the capacity to control possession against the Italians like Spain did.
There will be some tired legs, which Mancini must monitor. But there’s nothing like the prospect of a major Final to bring renewed energy and enthusiasm to a player. Ask any of the Italians if all that effort worth was it. You can bet it was. Italy’s semi-final triumph was founded on work. One more shift like that, and the republic will be champions of Europe once again.