On another historic night in Wembley, two old nemesis went head-to-head for a spot in the final of Euro 2020. The Spaniards dominated possession from the get-go and created more chances, but the Azzurri were always threatening on the counter attacks, and eventually broke the deadlock in courtesy of Federico Chiesa. Nonetheless, his Juventus teammate, Alvaro Morata, came off the bench to score a late equalizer and take the match into extra-time, before turning from hero to zero by missing in the shootouts, allowing Jorginho to score the decisive spot kick. So here are our Player Ratings for the Italy stars following their dramatic victory over Spain in the semi finals.
Italy XI
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 7.5
Despite being wrong-footed by Morata for Spain’s equalizer, the goalkeeper had the last laugh, as he denied the Juventus striker in the shootouts. Produced a marvelous save on Dani Olmo, and was alert throughout the match but loses points for his terrible passing which could have costed his side on multiple occasions.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 7
The Napoli man enjoyed a solid shift on the right flank, and kept Ferran Torres at bay whilst making several great interceptions. Switched to the left following Toloi’s introduction, but looked uncomfortable in that position.
Leonardo Bonucci – 7.5
A superb display from the vice-captain who made one crucial clearance after the other, and was oozing with confidence when taking his spot kick.
17 – Leonardo #Bonucci will play his 17th match at the European Championship, a joint-record for an Italian ??player in the competition, alongside Gianluigi Buffon. Pillar.#EURO2020 #ITAESP pic.twitter.com/rLGl9eF04z
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) July 6, 2021
Giorgio Chiellini – 6.5
The Juventus captain always offers an inspiring presence for his teammates, and made some vital interceptions, including a goal-line clearance, but lost track of Morata’s run on Spain’s equalizer.
Emerson Palmieri – 6.5
The Chelsea man did his best to fill the void left by Leonardo Spinazzola’s injury, and linked up well with Insigne. Almost scored an unlikely goal as his shot rattled the post.
Nicolò Barella – 6
Another energetic display from the Inter midfielder, as he supported Italy’s counter attacks with his speedy runs, but his touch let him down on some occasions.
Jorginho – 7
The Italo-Brazilian couldn’t do much as Italy allowed Spain to dominate possession , but he tried his best to shield his defense and help his side in launching counter attacks. Crowned as the hero of the night after scoring the decisive spot kick.
Marco Verratti – 6
With the Azzurri having limited access to the ball, the PSG star was bound to suffer. Managed to retrieve the ball on some occasions, and tried to orchestrate some plays, but it was a tough stylistic clash for him.
Federico Chiesa – 7.5
Despite physically suffering since the beginning of the match, the Juventus winger appeared right on time to pounce on a lose ball and score another fabulous goal for the Azzurri at Wembley stadium. Set up Berardi with a brilliant pass that could have led to a second goal.
Ciro Immobile – 5.5
Another disappointing night for the Lazio striker. Should have been quicker to pass the ball when Unai Simon left his goal early in the match. Worked hard against Eric Garcia and Aymric Laporte, but never managed to threaten them.
Lorenzo Insigne – 6
The Napoli captain was Italy’s most dangerous player in the first half, and set up Emerson’s chance, but he faded in the second period.
10 – Italy are the second team to progress to the final in 10 different editions between European Champions and World Cups, after Germany (14). Olè.#EURO2020 #ITAESP pic.twitter.com/JIYtxQ8eNi
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) July 6, 2021
Italy Substitutes
Domenico Berardi – 5.5
Wasted two good opportunities for the Azzurri that could have sealed the match.
Matteo Pessina – 5.5
Replaced Verratti but didn’t add much.
Rafael Toloi – 5
Looked slow and uncomfortable facing the quick Spanish wingers, and got booked in the process.
Manuel Locatelli – 5.5
His spot kick was saved by Simon, as he was surprisingly picked to shoot first.
Andrea Belotti – 6
He was exiled for the most part, but took his spot kick well.
Federico Bernardeschi – 6
Scored the 4th penalty for Italy, and it was arguably the best effort in the shootouts.
✅ Goalscorer ✅ EURO 2020 finalist
?? Well played, Federico Chiesa! ?
? Did you predict that? @Heineken | #EUROSOTM | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/RkaurUA5qF
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 6, 2021