Italy booked their place in the finals of the European Championships with a win over Spain in the semi-finals earlier tonight.
Federico Chiesa and Alvaro Morata scored in normal time and the game was decided in penalties after the two sides failed to find a winner after extra time.
Here at Anytime football, we look at the major talking points from tonight’s contest.
Dani Olmo in Luis Enrique’s false nine setup
Spain employed a false nine system tonight with Dani Olmo at the tip and the tactic worked like a charm. Enrique clearly wanted more control from his players and Spain managed to dominate the game for sustained periods.
Olmo put in a spectacular showing as the false nine. The technically gifted midfielder has played the role at RB Leipzig under Julian Nagelsmann and he did well to create chances for his teammates with intelligent movement, flicks and one-touch play.
The Spaniard kept finding spaces in between the lines and he helped set up the late equalizer for his side. Olmo will be devastated with his penalty miss in the shootout but it was a quality showing from him up until the 120th minute.
Pedri – best young player of the Euros
The Barcelona midfielder has had a spectacular tournament and he was one of the best players on the pitch today.
Pedri played as an advanced playmaker for his side today and he was flawless in possession. The youngster completed 65 of his 67 passes throughout the game and most of those were in the opposition half.
He was precise, purposeful and intelligent with his passing. Pedri, Busquets and Koke were excellent in the middle and they helped dominate the game.
Sergio Busquets vs Jorginho
This was the most exciting battle to look forward to before the game.
Busquets and Jorginho have done very well for their respective teams this summer and the control and composure they have provided in the midfield has been invaluable for their side.
Jorginho has been outstanding in the defensive midfield position for Italy so far but tonight he struggled to cope. Spain were far more dominant on the ball and the Italian midfielder failed to control the game as he does usually.
Busquets, on the other hand, turned back the years with an assured performance at the heart of Spain’s midfield. He was aware defensively and composed with the ball at his feet. Spain enjoyed a lot of the ball thanks to his imperious display in the middle of the park.
Spain dominated completely in possession and other statistics. But it was Jorginho who had the last laugh, as he converted the fifth penalty for Italy.
Alvaro Morata influenced the game like none other
The most criticised Spanish player, before the Euro 2020 and during their campaign, came as a substitute during the second half. That is when Italy are leading by a goal and trying to take control of the match.
The Juventus forward scored the equaliser from a Dani Olmo assist at the 80th minute of the match. His goal dragged the game into the extra-time and then, penalty shootout.
During the match, both normal time and extra time, the Spanish had an edge. They were even at the top after teams had one-shot each, as Simon saved the Manuel Locatelli attempt. In contrast, Dani Olmo hit it over the post.
Alvaro Morata, who came to take the fourth spot-kick for Spain, failed to go past Donnarumma.
Italy’s counter-attacking system
Roberto Mancini demonstrated his tactical acumen once again as he switched things up to deal with Spain’s impressive possession-based style of football.
Italy played a controlled game against Belgium but they reverted back to a counter-attacking setup today.
Federico Chiesa scored the opening goal of the game for Italy on the counter and the Azzurri created quite a few chances on the break.
Mancini knew his side would not be able to dominate the ball against Spain and he made the necessary adjustments.
Italy’s big game mentality
Italy were not the best team out there today but they were prepared mentally.
When Spain started to crumble under pressure during the penalty shootout, the Italians held their nerve and got through to the finals.
Italy have proven their pedigree time and again in the major tournaments and tonight was no different. Their big game mentality could see them lift the European Championships this weekend.
