Italy has reached the Euro 2020 final by edging Spain in a penalty shootout. After 120 minutes of play, the score was 1-1, forcing each team to line up their five best shooters for penalty kicks. Italy won 4-2 in the shootout and now await the winner of the England-Denmark match.
Both teams were quiet during the first half of the game. Spain had more opportunities but was unable to convert. The big highlight of the first half was when Spain’s Dani Olmo had the ball in the box but was denied by a Gianluigi Donnarumma save.
Heading into the second half, the game was tied at 0-0. The second half saw the action ramp up as both teams went back and forth in trying to break the stalemate. Italy’s Federico Chiesa scored the first goal of the game. Chiesa received the ball in the corner of the box and worked defender Eric Garcia to score a goal that left Unai Simon frozen in goal.
Spain scored the equalizer with 10 minutes left in regulation. Spain was able to get into the box and pass it to Alvaro Morata for the tying goal.
Neither team was able to score in extra time and the game moved to a deciding penalty shootout. Both teams missed their first penalty shots but both converted their next two shots, adding to the already massive amount of tension. It came down to Spain’s Morata, who was up for the team’s fourth shot. Morata shot it to the lower right and Donnarumma blocked the shot.
The save put Italy closer to victory. All they had to do was convert their fifth penalty shot to eliminate Spain. Jorginho scored their fifth shot with ease to seal the win.
Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci complemented the Spaniards and said they were their hardest challenge of his career.
“It was the toughest game I have ever played,” Bonucci said. “I congratulate Spain for what they showed, but once again this Italy showed heart, determination, and the ability to push through difficult moments. Now there is one more centimetre to go. It is incredible what we are doing. We will be back here in five days, and we must have the same attitude to bring home this trophy that we have lacked for 50 years.”
Italy will play either England or Denmark in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday at Wembley Stadium. Italy is hoping to win the tournament for the first time since 1968.
