Italy survive shootout to reach Euro 2020 final

Italy 1-1 Spain London

(Chiesa 60'; Morata 80')

Italy win 4-2 on penalties

Days after England did as the Italians do so often in Rome, Italy arrived in London to do what England have done here just once, win on penalties.

A pulsating contest, particularly in the second half of normal time, was settled when Jorginho rolled in a slow motion spot kick in front of a wild wall of blue shirts behind the goal, after Alvaro Morata had missed for Spain. 

As those in blue, and in red, shuffled towards the underground, it all felt a bit odd. English accents discussed Morata's constant confidence crisis, families hurried for the last train and 'Football's Coming Home' was slurred in to ceilings of the grey concrete spiral stairs. Spanish and Italian voices were present, but far from dominant though, in the case of the winners, that would soon change, as plastic horns and renditions of 'Seven Nation Army' filled the night air.

While the travelling Euros circus has toured Europe, fans have broadly had to stay at home while their teams traverse the continent. But the coronavirus crisis and associated travel rules have allowed more immigrant fans to watch the nation of their birth in the home of their choice.

"We don't go so much to the football, we just wanted to support our nation and we are living here in London anyway," Spanish fan Janice Ocampo told DW before the game.

Less than a week after more than 50,000 EU citizens rushed to beat the deadline to secure their so-called 'settled status' in the UK, a similar number - many of Spanish or Italian origin - packed out Wembley stadium in the biggest communal event in the country since the pandemic began. More will soon follow, on Wednesday (England vs. Denmark) and Sunday (the final), despite the spike in cases caused by the emergence and spread of the delta variant.

But for just over two hours, politics and COVID-19 were put to one side. "There is nothing here about politics, only football. We don't need always to talk politics," Italian fan Rosella, who moved to London in 2016, told DW, summing up the general mood. 

The game provided plenty to distract. Spain probed and prodded fluently but had little to show for it. Having left Morata, the man he's backed so heavily in this tournament, on the bench, Luis Enrique strode the touchline with the air of an interior designer who has created a front room with perfect fixtures, fittings and finishings but forgotten a chair. 

For all the pretty patterns Spain were weaving, Italy were always menacing; bursts of speed, inspiration and incision standing in contrast to their opponents. Their opener was perhaps the ultimate demonstration. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma spotted an opportunity with ball in hands and immediately hared to the edge of his area to roll it out. Two passes and a desperate Spanish tackle later, Federico Chiesa opened his body to curl beautifully in to the net.

With a different type of crowd, came a different type of response. Shorn of those who conduct the noise, the match itself arguably became more of a centerpiece, the tactical tweaks highlighted and mistakes less harshly condemned. It lived up to the scrutiny.

Twenty minutes later, Morata levelled things up, playing a one-two of sublime simplicity with Dani Olmo before side footing calmly in to the corner. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, or even the most functional item in Enrique's front room, but it was enough to force extra-time.

Now the tension rose, and the decibels dropped, replaced by a familiar, much-missed, nervous energy. Those subtle differences in sound, behaviour, reactions and attitude at a stadium used to hosting England served as a reminder of what the tournament experience has traditionally been and, to some extent, those cultural differences that the UK has chosen to abandon. 

Like Tuesday's game, this tournament in general has become a place to forget all that. From the gut-wrenching collapse of Christian Eriksen and heroic response of Denmark's players on the first Saturday of the tournament, to the triumphs of collectivism and organisation that have propelled Switzerland, Ukraine, Czech Republic and, yes, even England, further than would have been expected.

"This Italy side has a lot of courage," said Donnarumma after the game. "We never give up."

It's hard to argue. Persistence is far from their only quality, but England or Denmark will have to match the ferocity of feeling Roberto Mancini has instilled in this Italian side to stand a chance. As Spain found out, that's no easy task.

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Go to page two to relive the action in DW's live blog...

FULL TIME Italy 1-1 Spain (Italy win on penalties)

SHOOTOUT Italy 4-2 Spain

Jorginho scores!

SHOOTOUT Italy 3-2 Spain

Morata misses. Italy need to score to win.

SHOOTOUT Italy 3-2 Spain

Bernadeschi puts his penalty in the top corner.

SHOOTOUT Italy 2-2 Spain

Thiago slots his spot kick away as cool as you like.

SHOOTOUT Italy 2-1 Spain

Bonucci sends Simon the wrong way.

SHOOTOUT Italy 1-1 Spain

Gerard Moreno levels. 

SHOOTOUT Italy 1-0 Spain

Belotti buries it in the bottom corner.

SHOOTOUT Italy 0-0 Spain

Olmo blazes over the bar. Incredible start.

SHOOTOUT Italy 0-0 Spain

Locatelli misses the first penalty. Saved by Simon!

SHOOTOUT — Are you ready?

As the coin toss took place, Chiellini looked like a kid on Christmas morning, while Alba was acting like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

FULL TIME Italy 1-1 Spain

Neither side are able to produce a moment of magic to decide the game and we're heading to a penalty shootout folks to decide this final four tie.

118' — To the limit

Hard to see and chances being created now with players starting to show the effects of a taxing encounter.

116' — Spot-kick training

According to ARD commentator Tom Bartels, both sides have been practicing penalties in training. He wasn't impressed with Spain's showing in the quarter finals against Switzerland though.

110' — Goal ruled out!

Berardi has the ball in the back of the net for Italy, but the flag goes up for a clear offside. Proof that Italy aren't out of this game yet though. 

107' — Oooooo, Dani Olmo!

Dani Olmo's stock continues to rise tonight. One of the Spanish players that are also due to represent Spain at the Olympics, there's no rest for the wicked. No doubt Leipzig aren't thrilled about that prospect.

HALF TIME IN EXTRA TIME 

No change to the scoreline at Wembley. The third shootout of Euro 2020 looms large. Spain have already won one against Switzerland in the previous round, but will want to avoid another if they can. 

103' — Challenge accepted?

Italy have not conceded more than one goal in any of their last 35 international matches. They're unbeaten in 32 and have won the last 9 straight, but have gone from being one of the most formidable backlines to producing some defending laced with panic.

98' — Sharp save

If Italy are going to score it's only going to come from a counter-attack as they're once again allowing Spain to build up the pressure. The Spaniards are showing a greater sense of ambition as Dani Olmo stings the palms of Donnarumma.

95' — Nerves on show

The flow of the game has changed completely in extra time. Fouls and injuries are disrupting the rhythm while a real physical battle is brewing in midfield.

EXTRA TIME!

Definitely not complaining about an extra half an hour of a pulsating fixture. Will there be a winner or are we set for the third penalty shootout of Euro 2020? 

FULL TIME! Italy 1-1 Spain

Extra time will be needed to separate these two European heavyweights. 30 more minutes of a breathtaking spectacle that has definitely been worth the €345 entry fee! 

86' — Morata's big moment

Alvaro Morata has now scored more goals at the European Championships than any other Spain player, overtaking Fernando Torres' five goals.

84' — Do you agree?

The intensity is off the charts at Wembley.

80' GOAL! Italy 1-1 Spain

It had to be Alvaro Morata. The much-maligned striker, dropped from the starting line-up tonight, comes off the bench to level the scores. That's goal number 22 in a Spain shirt for Morata.

79' — What a shocker!

With every throw-in, every goal kick, Italy have already started time wasting at every opportunity to take precious seconds off the clock. You've got to do, what you've got to do, right?

76' — Record-breaking Italians?

Italy are on course to become the first side to record six straight wins at a European championship. The Azzurri could also still break their record for most goals at a single major tournament if they net once more. 

70' — Defensive block

11 blue shirts behind the ball is becoming a common sight. Spain are probing and finding space to exploit, but failing to do so when the chances produce themselves. Where's Fernando Torres or David Villa when you need them? Morata and Moreno have both come off the bench to try and apply the finishing touch.

65' — Italian smash and grab

Chiesa's goal was a thing of beauty. Like the 'Bend it like Cat' meme. 

60' — GOAL! Italy 1-0 Spain

A dream goal for Chiesa. In his 31st appearance for the Azzurri that's only his third goal, but it is one to cherish, especially if it books Italy a ticket to the Euro 2020 final.

54' — Pulsating start 

Chances at either end to kick off the second half and the chants erupt from both sets of fans at Wembley. Buckle up ladies and gentlemen, even if there aren't many goals, this is going to be good. 

52' — Profligate in front of goal

Spain not taking their chances has been a predominant feature of their performances at Euro 2020, even when beating Croatia 5-3. Tonight they’ve had three big opportunities as the trend has continued with Busquets blazing over with the latest.

SECOND HALF!

We're back underway at Wembley. What will the second half hold?

World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger on German broadcaster ARD

"Italy have to start controlling Spain’s midfield better. Bonucci or Chiellini may need to step out to apply pressure and up front they need to go back to the direct passes in behind that created their chances."

Stefan Kuntz, Germany U21 head coach on Dani Olmo 

"He’s an incredible player. Whether in midfield or as the lone striker, he’s making an impact. He's quick and intelligent and his build-up play is giving Chiellini a lot of problems so far."

HALF TIME! Italy 0-0 Spain

Huge chance for Italy's Emerson at the last, but there have been no goals so far. Nevertheless, there's a fascinating battle brewing for a spot in the Euro 2020 final. 

43' — German involvement

Germany are represented in the final four of Euro 2020 by the refereeing team that tonight features Dr. Felix Brych as the frontman. We’re still waiting on the first booking of the game, but the German whistleblower is keep a lid on the theatrics so far. 

37' — Good omen for Spain?

Tactically Spain have now taken control of proceedings and the Italians are struggling to come to terms with their approach. Olmo keeps popping up in the half spaces and is impressing, but is still short of a clinical touch whether shooting or passing. 

33' — Good omen for Spain?

Spain have scored during the first half in each of their last four matches at EURO 2020. After a strong opening gambit from Italy, they are now looking the more likely to open the scoring at Wembley.

27' — Costly mistakes

18-year-old Pedri has been a joy to behold so far. He predicted mistakes would decide the midfield battle and so far, Italy are making more. Two in quick succession for Donnarumma have seen him forced into the first save of the game and Chiellini forced into a last ditch tackle, on both occasions denying Olmo.

24' — Did you know...

...that Italy centre-back Bonucci is still yet to commit a foul at Euro 2020?

19' — Tongue in cheek

It sounds like there's a chant of "It's coming Rome" and not 'home' at Wembley, which then breaks out into Italian chants. When it comes to creating an atmosphere at major tournaments, Italy fans don't disappoint. 

15' — Clash of styles

From their passing to their pressing, Italy went full throttle from the first whistle, but having failed to produce a breakthrough are being pegged back by Spain's possession play, which has created chances for Oyarzabal and Torres. Worth the entry fee? To be determined. 

11' — Olmo central

We expected Oyarzabal to replace Morata in the front three, but it Leipzig's Olmo is the man operating as the focal point up front. A big ask to play the False 9 role against Bonucci and Chiellini.

8' — Big night for Bonucci 

A strong start on a milestone night for the Juventus defender, who makes his 17th appearance at the European championships. The 34-year-old moves level with Buffon in that regard, but will be hoping to break the record.

5' — Italy in behind

A first glimpse of Italy's threat on the break, but Emerson's release is late as Barella is flagged for offside having hit the post. Immobile repeats the trick seconds later, but the intent for Italy to thread balls in behind is clear. They just need to work on their timing.

KICK OFF!

We're underway in Wembley where the Italian fans outnumber the Spanish. Spain have been crowned European champions three times, Italy just once, but who will get a chance to add to the trophy cabinet?

Where will tonight be won and lost?

The consensus amongst expert is that midfield will be the key battle ground. Spain have had the most possession in the tournament, but no-one really expected them to reach the semifinals. Can they control the gamey against an Italy team that also likes to control the game?

History made in London?

A win tonight would see Italy become the first team in the history of the European championships to win six straight matches, breaking a record held by France before this summer.

Fun fact!

Italy are unbeaten in their last 32 international fixtures and there are nine players in their squad who are yet to taste defeat on the international stage as a result.

Italy's greatest strength

The Spanish press have compared facing the Azzurri to "visiting the dentist" and that's perhaps Italy's biggest quality given the fact that few if any teams in world football relish the prospect of facing them. For Luis Enrique's Spain they pose the greatest challenge faced at Euro 2020.

Who is Mikel Oyarzabal?

A surprise in Spain's starting line-up, but not without reason. Oyarzabal has already scored twice at Euro 2020 after netting Spain's fifth in the Round of 16 win against Croatia, not to mention his nerveless penalty to win the shootout against Switzerland in the quarter finals. A fresh threat for Italy's backline to face.

Vialli catching the eye on return to London

Former Chelsea striker Gianluca Vialli is dressed to impress in Wembley. 

Morata dropped!

The big news from tonight's starting line-ups is that Alvaro Morata has been dropped. The striker has been under fire all tournament, but instead of facing Juventus teammates Chiellini and Bonucci, he has to settle for a place on the bench as the pace of Real Sociedad's Mikel Oyarzabal is preffered.

Confirmed line-ups!

Italy: Donnarumma — Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson — Barella, Jorginho, Verratti — Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne 

Spain: Unai Simón — Azpilicueta, Eric García, Laporte, Jordi Alba — Koke, Busquets, Pedri — Morata, Oyarzabal, Olmo 

Fun fact!

Italy's track record in the final four of the European championships is enviable as they've only failed to make it through one of their previous four appearances when Azeglio Vicini's side lost 2-0 to eventual runners-up Soviet Union 33 years ago.

Complicated history

This is the fourth straight European championships that have pitted Italy against Spain. The last time these sides met in 2016 this happened... 

From the coaches' mouth: Roberto Mancini

"It will be difficult, even if Spain are different from Belgium. It will not be the same kind of game compared to the previous one, but it will present many difficulties for sure. Spain have been extraordinary for years, even if now there has been a change and they are a younger side. They have a good coach and very good players."

From the coaches' mouth: Roberto Mancini

"I don't think both of us can dominate, so it'll be interesting to see who wins this tussle. Apart from having top players, Italy are a real team. They attack and defend as a unit, which is really similar to what we do. The game will be really interesting. Both teams will have their moments.”

Italy team news

Defender Leonardo Spinazzola remains Italy's lone absentee, though his presence will surely be missed in Roberto Mancini's side.

The AS Roma defender, whose career has been plagued by various injuries, had put together a strong tournament. But the Italian defender was ruled out for the rest of the tournament after suffering an Achilles tear against Belgium in the quarterfinals.

Chelsea's Emerson is likely to replace the Spinazzola on the left side of Italy's defense.

Spain team news

Spanish coach Luis Enrique is also only down one player for the semifinal — winger Pablo Sarabia.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward injured his thigh in Spain's penalty shootout win over Switzerland in the quarterfinals. 

His absence is likely to open the door once more for RB Leipzig's Dani Olmo, who started Spain's first two group stage games before being dropped in favor of Sarabia. 

How Italy got here

The Azzurri were among the favorites entering the tournament and have lived up to the hype.

They won all three of their group stage games without conceding a goal, and, after an extra-time grind against Austria in the round of 16, they vanquished Belgium, ranked no. 1 in FIFA's world rankings, 2-1 in Munich to book their ticket for the last four.

True to form, the Italians have been able to depend on a rock-solid defense. But more importantly, head coach Roberto Mancini has also got the most out of a versatile attack with a variety of goal scorers — six different players have scored for Italy at Euro 2020, four of whom have scored twice.

How Spain got here

It's hard to believe given the quality in their ranks but Spain's results at Euro 2020 haven't been the most impressive.

After two draws in their opening group stage games, only a win over Slovakia — a 5-0 one, to be fair — guaranteed them a spot in the last 16. They then needed extra time to defeat a Croatia side without veteran Ivan Perisic, and the only goal they scored from open play in their penalty shootout triumph over Switzerland was an own goal.

La Roja faced widespread criticism at home for their underwhelming start to the tournament — Alvaro Morata revealed that his wife and children had received verbal abuse from fans in Seville, where Spain played all three of their group-stage games.

The Spaniards have scored the most goals at the tournament (12 goals in five games), held the most possession (67.2%) and passed at the highest success rate (89.4%). But Luis Enrique's side has been rightly criticized for doing too little with their ball dominance and scoring chances.

Recent history

Euro 2020 is the fourth straight European Championship in which the Italians and Spaniards have squared off. Spain defeated Italy in the Euro 2008 quarterfinals and in the Euro 2012 final en route to tournament wins. But Italy came out on top at Euro 2016, beating Spain in the last-16 tie before being knocked out by Germany in the quarterfinals.

Overall, the historical matchup has been pretty even. Spain have won 13 of the 37 games against Italy, while the Italians have won 11 and there have been 13 draws. Both sides have scored 51 goals in the fixture.

The two sides are also set to face off in the Nations League semifinals in October.

How many fans will attend?

The UK government announced in June that capacity at Wembley Stadium will increase to 75% when the ground hosts the Euro 2020 semifinals and final. That will allow up to 60,000 spectators to attend each of the three games.

But that capacity is unlikely to be filled for the Italy-Spain semifinal. Travelers entering the UK must quarantine, even with negative tests, which limits the capability of fans abroad attending the game.

Both Italy's Mancini and Spain's Enrique expressed regret that fans won't be able to travel to the game. Enrique called it a "strange situation" while Mancini dubbed the circumstances "unfair."

The number of spectators at tournament games has been a source of outrage among EU lawmakers. German chancellor Angela Merkel said during a visit to the UK recently that she was "worried and skeptical" about high attendances at matches.

Wembley hosted 22,500 spectators for England's group-stage games and saw 45,000 people attend England's last-16 win over Germany.