Italy advanced to the semifinals in the EUROS 2020 with a staggering 2-1 win over the world’s number one Belgium. First-half goals from Nicolo Barella and a thrilling curling goal from Lorenzo Insigne ensured the Azzurri continued their impressive unbeaten run.
Italy’s Nicolo Barella (left) celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Italy against Belgium in their EUROS 2020 quarterfinals tie.
PHOTO: Courtesy
Barella fired in after 31 minutes of play to give Italy an advantage before a solo run and a curling strike by Lorenzo Insigne in the 44th minute ensured Italy are two to the good. Shortly before halftime, teenager Jeremy Doku who was arguably Belgium’s best player on the pitch last night was fouled in the 18-yard box to win a penalty for Belgium, Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku converted the penalty to make the scores 2-1 at halftime.
Lorenzo Insigne (Jersey 10) scores Italy’s second goal against Belgium in EURO 2020 quarterfinals tie.
PHOTO: Courtesy
Both sides had big chances to score in the second half but neither could find the back of the net ensuring the scores remained 2-1 after the 90 minutes of play. Italy now progresses to the semifinals while Belgium is knocked out of a major tournament at the quarter-finals stage for the second time in a row.
With the win, Roberto Mancini’s side is unbeaten in 32 matches and recorded their 13th straight win.
Italy however will miss the services of their first choice left-back Leonardo Spinazzola who has been impressive the entire EUROS 2020. The 28-year-old Roma player went off on a stretcher late on after suffering what looked like a hamstring injury but the Italian medical team later announced he broke his Achilles tendon and will be out for several months.
Just minutes before going out, Spinazzola made an impressive save by blocking Lukaku’s shot that was heading for the back of the net.
Italy will now face Spain in the semifinals on Tuesday in Wembley and they are the favorites to advance to the finals.
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