At the infamous Wembley stadium in London, the Italians went to head-to-head against their Austrian neighbors in the round of 16 of Euro 2020. Roberto Mancini’s men dominated the first half but failed to find the net, and suffered throughout the second period with Marko Arnautovic scoring a goal disallowed by VAR. Nonetheless, substitutes Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina saved the day with two goals in extra-time. Sasa Kalajdzic pulled one back for the Austrians, but the Azzurri hanged into a 2-1 victory. So here are our player ratings for the long encounter between Italy and Austria.
Italy XI
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 7
Despite some awkward moments with the ball at his feet, the former Milan man looked assuring as he made some confident clearances, before pulling off a spectacular save in the second half of extra-time. Didn’t have a good view on Austria’s goal.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6
The Napoli man looked mostly solid at the back, although he was beaten by David Alaba on some occasions, including an areal duel in the leadup for Arnautovic’s disallowed goal. Didn’t offer much going forward.
Leonardo Bonucci – 6.5
A good performance from the captain who provided the experience and much-needed Grinta for the team, and kept the backline well-organized.
Francesco Acerbi – 6.5
A mixed bag for the Lazio veteran. He was beaten by Arnautovic on a couple of occasions and caused his side trouble with some poor passing at the back, but made several vital interceptions, and played and provided the assist for the second goal.
Leonardo Spinazzola – 7.5
Another thrilling performance from the dynamic wingback. Supported Italy’s attacks throughout the match with his dazzling runs, and tried to go for goal himself on a couple of occasions. Provided a sublime assist for the opener, and saved the day by tracking back to deny a dangerous chance for the opponents.
Nicolò Barella – 6
Aside from a beautiful long ball towards Immobile, the Inter man didn’t add much quality to the Azzurri’s plays. However, the effort he puts in every match remains undeniable.
Jorginho – 6.5
A solid if unspectacular performance from the recent Champions League winner. Retrieved the ball numerous times, and kept things ticking in the middle of the park. Basically, everything you’d want in a Regista.
Marco Verratti – 5.5
The Pescara native seemed to lack fitness as he badly suffered against the powerful Austrian midfielders, and was closely man-marked by Xaver Schlager. It just wasn’t his night.
Domenico Berardi – 5.5
The Sassuolo star was on a hot run earlier in the competition, but against Austria he was one of the least effective players for Italy. When presented with a golden chance to score, he scuffed it as he went for the acrobatic.
Ciro Immobile – 6
The former Golden Boot winner almost shocked everyone in the stands with a long-range screamer in the first half, but his effort crashed into the post. Played Insigne at goal on one occasion, but mostly suffered against the Austrian defenses.
Lorenzo Isigne – 6
The Napoli captain put so much effort into the match, and even tracked back to support the defenders, but his touch abandoned him at some crucial moments. Threatened the Austrian goalkeeper with a dangerous freekick.
31 – Italy have set the new unbeaten record in their history: 31, overtaking the streak of 30, set under Vittorio Pozzo in 1939. Cohort.#EURO2020 #ITA #ITAAUS pic.twitter.com/LXbftqNTn8
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) June 26, 2021
Italy Substitutes
Matteo Pessina – 7
The author of the second goal for the Azzurri. Replaced Barella in the second half, and kept his composure as he finished his chance with a clinical touch.
Manuel Locatelli – 6.5
Another substitute who turned out to be an improvement for Italy. Proved to be a capable opponent for the big Austrian midfielders, and offered a some good passes for the strikers.
Andrea Belotti – 6.5
The Torino captain led the frontline with his dangerous direct runs and linked up well with Chiesa. Should have scored a goal of his own but scuffed his shot.
Federico Chiesa – 8
Simply the difference maker. Mancini introduced him to exploit the spaces left at the back, and he punished Austria by scoring the opener for Italy with three brilliant touches. Almost added another, and provided some chances for his teammates.
Bryan Cristante – N/A
25 – Federico Chiesa has scored in a Euro game 25 years & 12 days after the goal of his father Enrico (14th June vs Czech Republic). Awake.#EURO2020 #ITA pic.twitter.com/01bwTZnxZp
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) June 26, 2021