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Talking Tactics: How Italy beat Spain to reach Euro 2020 final
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Tom Bodell
LiveScore
Italy attacker Federico Chiesa celebrates his opener for Spain against Italy
Italy attacker Federico Chiesa celebrates his opener for Spain against Italy

Italy booked their place in the final of the 2020 European Championships by beating Spain 4-2 on penalties in one of the games of the tournament.

After a scintillating 1-1 draw, both sides missed their first spot-kicks – Manuel Locatelli and Dani Olmo the culprits – before Alvaro Morata saw his effort saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

That left Chelsea midfielder Jorginho to slot past Unai Simon with ease, sending Italy to Sunday's final at Wembley. 

The Azzurri took the lead in the 60th minute through Federico Chiesa, who had been about to be replaced. 

He seized upon a loose ball before curling home from the edge of the penalty area to cap a stunning Azzurri counter-attack.

With 10 minutes to go, Spain deservedly pulled level.

The impressive Olmo split the Italian backline and substitute Morata slotted past Donnarumma to force extra time.

Italy will discover their final opponents tomorrow evening as England and Denmark meet at Wembley in the other semi-final.

Here are five talking points from an unforgettable semi-final.

Chiesa: the man for the big occasion

Federico Chiesa again starred for Italy, working tirelessly across the frontline as his touch map shows
Federico Chiesa again starred for Italy, working tirelessly across the frontline as his touch map shows

Few players turn up for big games quite like Italy forward Chiesa.

The 23-year-old made a habit of delivering when Juventus needed it most during his first season in Turin – and he’s been repeating the trick for Italy this summer.

He scored important goals against AC Milan (2), Atalanta and rivals Torino in Serie A. He also bagged a priceless away goal against Porto in the Champions League before hitting a brace in the return leg.

As if that wasn’t enough, Chiesa notched in the Coppa Italia win over Atalanta too.

It was the former Fiorentina attacker who got the opener against Austria in the last 16 and he turned in another fine display in the quarter-final win over Belgium.

Just when Italy coach Roberto Mancini was preparing to sub the forward tonight, he came up with a moment of magic.

Chiesa’s sumptuous strike means he now has more goals (2) than his father, former Parma and Fiorentina striker Enrico, at major tournaments for Italy.

Ol-mo word!

Dani Olmo has taken more shots at Euro 2020 without scoring than anyone else
Dani Olmo has taken more shots at Euro 2020 without scoring than anyone else

Olmo only made his Spain debut in 2019 but the RB Leipzig midfielder is quickly establishing himself as a key part of Luis Enrique’s side.

He had La Roja’s best chance of the first half when he latched onto an error by Donnarumma and got off a shot which forced the keeper into a smart save.

Time and time again, Olmo picked up dangerous positions in the space which had been vacated by the deepest of Italy’s midfielders – Jorginho.

He had three shots in the first half alone, 75% of Spain’s total. No one had managed more for either side.

And he came up with the crucial moment for Spain, unlocking an otherwise resolute Italian defence with an inch-perfect pass for Morata.

Remarkably, the 23-year-old has now taken 21 shots at these European Championships without scoring – luck which extended to the shootout. Not that that should be held against him.

Busquets’ brilliance

Sergio Busquets was the beating heart of Spain's midfield tonight, rolling back the years
Sergio Busquets was the beating heart of Spain's midfield tonight, rolling back the years

Spain’s iconic midfield trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets might be no more but its last remaining member is still going strong.

Busquets, 32, gave a masterclass in playing at the base of midfield, rolling back the years to control proceedings for Spain.

The lanky midfielder might not be the force he once was and endured a tough season at Barcelona.

But this was the Spanish skipper in his element. He made six interceptions and regained possession four times for La Roja in the opposing half.

In the first period, he completed 35 of the 38 passes he attempted – more than anyone on the pitch at Wembley. By the time he was withdrawn, he'd misplaced just four of 59 passes. 

Italy 2.0

Italy have been one of the most entertaining sides to watch at Euro 2020
Italy have been one of the most entertaining sides to watch at Euro 2020

Gone is the Italy of old – and this performance encapsulated everything Mancini has set out to achieve.

When the former Manchester City boss was appointed as Gian Piero Ventura's replacement, he was given a mandate to play exciting, front-foot football.

At the time, the Azzurri had just failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup – the first one they'd missed since 1958 – and were at their lowest ebb.

In less than three years, Mancini has revitalised the squad and re-established Italy's identity as a tenacious, attack-minded and, above all else, thrilling side.

Tonight they had to soak up the pressure at times – and who better to do that than old warhorses Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci? 

But when they sprang into action they were devastating. Chiesa's splendid breakaway goal underlined that.

No one at these Euros has scored more goals (15) than the Azzurri, who are second for attempts (112) and third for on-target efforts (36).

If Mancini's stock was falling when he was appointed in 2018, it is well and truly on the rise once more. 

Morata justifies Enrique gamble...sort of

When Morata came under fire from Spain supporters during the group stages, head coach Enrique was unequivocal in his backing.

The Juventus forward was his No9 and would remain so – regardless of what the public or press felt.

Alvaro Morata finished Euro 2020 with three goals but missed the crucial penalty for Spain
Alvaro Morata finished Euro 2020 with three goals but missed the crucial penalty for Spain

But after being rewarded for his faith in the former Chelsea flop, Enrique pulled a surprise at Wembley.

Instead of fielding a recognised centre-forward, he went with a fluid front three of Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal and Olmo through the middle.

To an extent, it worked. Spain’s trio of attacking midfielders pulled Italy’s backline out of shape on several occasions. 

But they could not find a breakthrough.

With a little under half an hour remaining, Enrique rolled the dice and brought Morata off the bench.

Eighteen minutes later, he vindicated his coach’s decision with the goal that forced extra time. In doing so becoming Spain’s leading scorer in European Championship history.

What was not in the script was the striker's crucial penalty miss with La Roja's fourth kick. 

Former Chelsea teammate Jorginho converted Italy's fourth attempt to consign Morata's goal to the history books.

Spain had never lost a European Championship final before tonight and that record, too, is lying in tatters.

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ItalySpainEuropean Championship
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