Italy Edge Spain Via Penalties to Reach Euro 2020 Final

Italy has advanced to the final of Euro 2020 with a penalty defeat of Spain after the game finished 1-1 at Wembley on Tuesday.

Federico Chiesa scored in the 60th minute and Alvaro Morata equalised 20 minutes later before the game went to extra time and eventually penalties where Jorginho converted the decisive kick to send the Italians through.

The game marked the seventh time the two countries have faced each other in the European Championship — the most-played matchup in the competition’s history.

Italy exploded into the lead on the hour mark when Chiesa finished off a lightning-quick counter-attack with a thunderous right-footed finish from inside the left channel.

The electrifying goal set off wild celebrations from the Italy supporters in attendance and giving Spain an uphill climb to find an equaliser in the final 30 minutes.

Spain would respond, though, and went back level in the 80th minute through second-half substitute Morata, who finished off a well-worked one-two with Dani Olmo and calmly beat Gianluigi Donnarumma from close range.

With the next goal likely to be decisive, the teams took few risks in the final 10 minutes and the match went to extra time and then penalties where Jorginho played the hero after Olmo and Morata bot missed their chances.

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