Euro 2020: Italy scored the opening goal of the night, quite against the run of play, as Chiesa put them ahead with a curler. Enrique brought on his main striker Alvaro Morata and he responded with an equaliser in the 80th minute.
It was a heartbreaking end to the Euro 2020 campaign for Luis Enriques young Spain team as they exited the tournament after a 2-4 loss on penalty shootout to Italy in the semi-final at the Wembley Stadium in London. Spain dominated the match with their quicksilver passing but failed to take their chances due to poor finishing.
Italy scored the opening goal of the night, quite against the run of play, as Chiesa put them ahead with a curler. Enrique brought on his main striker Alvaro Morata and he responded with an equaliser in the 80th minute.
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Spain dominated possession even in the extra time but the winner didnt arrive. Italy, who have been one of the finest teams in this tournament, held their nerves to move into the final on penalties as Morata and Dani Olmo missed from the spot.
Enrique was under a lot of pressure due to his controversial selection, which saw him not include a single player from Real Madrid in the Spain squad. The former FC Barcelona player and managers decision was under the microscope as Spain started the tournament with two sluggish draws.
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All that changed when they score 5 goals in their last group match against Slovakia and followed it up with qa 5-3 extra time win over Croatia in the last 16. The team though struggled in the quarter-final against Switzerland and came through on penalties.One of the players who was not selected in the team was Spains regular captain Sergio Ramos, who had spent most of the last season injured. Ramos took to Twitter after Spains exit and wrote a heartfelt message for the young team, which surprised everyone with a strong run to the semis and with a good performance against a tough Italian side.
Capi, a ti esto no te lo hace Chielini ni aunque estés en coma! Me cago en mi vida! pic.twitter.com/kieWz6XlA2
— GARRIDO (@garridot10) July 6, 2021
"Sad and unfair. It could not be, but you have made a whole country vibrate and get excited. Proud of our Selection. #VamosEspaña," the former Real Madrid legend tweeted.
On a personal front Ramos ended a long standing relationship with Spanish giants Real Madrid. He mentioned during his exit that he had wanted to stay on but was told that his contract had expired. He is currently a free agent and has been linked strongly with a move to French club Paris Saint Germain.
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