Euro 2020

ROBERTO MANCINI was hailed as a ‘class act’ after his decision to bring on substitute Italy goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu.Eyebrows were raised when the veteran stopper, 34, was brought on in the 1-0 win against 10-man Wales with just a couple of minutes to play.
Roberto Mancini was hailed as a ‘class act’ after bringing on Salvatore Sirigu against Wales
Salvatore Sirigu replaced Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 89th minute
But the decision was made by Mancini given his own regret at not playing in the 1990 World Cup.
The Sampdoria legend was part of the Azzuri squad on home soil but never played a minute of the tournament – and has since called it the biggest regret of his career.
With Italy already through to the knockout stages after winning their opening two matches, the pressure was off against Wales.
Mancini made wholesale changes with only Donnarumma, Jorginho and Leonardo Bonucci maintaining their place in the side from those two wins.
Gaetano Castrovilli, Francesco Acerbi and Giacomo Raspadori also played from the bench – and with Sirigiu’s introduction it means 25 of the 26 Italians in the squad have played at the tournament.
Only third-choice keeper Alex Meret, 24, has not played.
And Mancini’s desire to hand minutes to even his backup goalkeeper has earned plaudits from fans, with plenty calling him a ‘class act’.
One fan summed it up when writing: “Mancini is pure class. No wonder the players love him.”

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Roberto Mancini made an unusual substitution in the 89th minute today. He took off Donnarumma and sent Sirigu on. The thinking behind this was his regret. He was taken to the World Cup in 1990 & never played any game. He still calls that the biggest regret of his career. 💔 pic.twitter.com/RGtl9G06uI— FootballFunnys (@FootballFunnnys) June 20, 2021

Speaking after the victory over Wales, Mancini said: “The guys are very clever and they wanted to win every game, they have a good mentality.
“I’m very happy also for this reason because we changed eight players and we played a very good game.”
“The identity has remained the same and I think it is important.
“I say that changing a few players shouldn’t change anything because everyone knows what they have to do, and the product doesn’t change.
“Today they have shown that they are all starters.
“It was a game that we wanted to win even if it could be unneeded, but succeeding was a matter of mentality, it wasn’t easy.”
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Barella throws bandage at Locatelli on Azzurri bench during Italy vs Wales match More

EURO 2020 viewers have been laughing at Manuel Locatelli’s reaction to Nicolo Barella throwing a bandage at him.The Sassuolo midfielder did NOT seem happy with Barella’s missile and quickly threw it back in the Inter Milan star’s face.
Manuel Locatelli, 23, was on the bench for Italy’s Euro 2020 game against WalesCredit: Getty
Nicolo Barella, 24, was also on the bench and decided to have a bit of fun with the Sassuolo midfielderCredit: RAI1
But the Inter Milan star’s joke didn’t go down too well with the rumoured Arsenal targetCredit: RAI1
With Italy’s spot in the last 16 of the tournament already secured, manager Roberto Mancini decided to rest Locatelli and Barella against Wales.
It proved to be a wise decision by the former Manchester City boss as Italy won 1-0 in Rome, although Locatelli didn’t seem to have a great evening on the bench.
With 69 minutes on the clock, a smirking Barella decided to throw a bandage at Locatelli.
The midfielder, who has been linked with a move to Juventus and Arsenal, was not happy – launching the item back into his team-mate’s face.
Barella continued to smile but Locatelli remained serious, unimpressed with his colleague’s banter.
Viewers have been laughing about the incident on Twitter, with one writing: “Locatelli’s heard about the Arsenal links.”

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While another tweeted: “Locatelli when he finds out Juve didn’t make a formal offer and he’s off to Arsenal.”
Locatelli, 23, has been one of the breakthrough stars of the Euros, scoring twice in Italy’s 3-0 win against Switzerland.
Sunday is the second time he’s appeared disgruntled at the tournament, copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s antics by removing bottles of Coca-Cola from a press conference.

Locatelli has made 96 Serie A appearances for Sassuolo since joining the Italian team from AC Milan in 2018.
The midfielder didn’t get much of a chance at the San Siro, although he still featured 63 times in all competitions, helping them win the Italian Super Cup in 2016.
Barella, meanwhile, made 36 Serie A appearances for Inter last term to help them win the Scudetto.
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WALES captain Gareth Bale spurned ANOTHER glorious chance to score – but was a relieved man after his country qualified for the Euro 2020 knockout stages anyway.Robert Page’s side were 1-0 down to Italy and playing with ten men after defender Ethan Ampadu was sent off.
Gareth Bale had his head in his hands after blasting over the barCredit: AP
The ball fell beautifully to Bale with the goal at his mercy – but he sliced well overCredit: AP

But with 75 minutes on the clock, Joe Rodon flicked a header towards the back post straight to star man and Real Madrid attacker Bale.
But the 31-year-old opted to take the shot on the volley, and blasted an effort well over the crossbar.
In their previous game against Turkey, Bale also blasted a penalty over the woodwork.
But despite a 1-0 loss to Roberto Mancini’s Group B table-toppers, the Dragons are into the last-16.
They finished with a two-goal better advantage than third-placed Switzerland, who will now be relying on being one of the better placed third teams.
Speaking about THAT chance after the game, Bale told ITV Sport: “I saw the ball coming over, but I didn’t quite get over the ball enough.
“But it is what it is. It made no difference in the end because we still finished second.”
But former Wales striker Nathan Blake seemingly expected better of the former Tottenham man.

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Wales’ star player Bale was relieved his miss didn’t come back to haunt himCredit: AP

He said: “It’s an awful finish if you’re Gareth Bale, he’s snatched at it, too hard, he didn’t need to put that power behind it.
“It’s a great header back across from Joe Rodon. That was a fantastic opportunity, the Italy defenders were ball watching.”
Matteo Pessina’s solitary strike five minutes before half-time gave Italy a deserved win – but Wales battled well against the in-form Azzurri.
Bale added: “We knew it would be very difficult from the start. A lot of running and defending, I am proud of the boys.
“We have made it through. We had to dig deep and we did that.
“We have to recover now and take the break and get ready to get going again.”
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Wales are through to the Euro 2020 last-16Credit: Getty
Gareth Bale brilliantly responds to Italy manager Roberto Mancini saying Wales are like playing against Stoke More

ARSENAL legend Patrick Vieira doesn’t believe Germany can rely on Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger at Euro 2020.The 28-year-old has impressed under new Blues boss Thomas Tuchel in recent months but has a endured a tricky start to the tournament.
Germany star Antonio Rudiger hasn’t had an easy start to Euro 2020Credit: Getty
Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira hasn’t been impressed with the 28-year-old’s effortsCredit: AFP or licensors
Rudiger was criticised for allegedly biting Manchester United star Paul Pogba during Germany’s Euros defeat to France.
And in his country’s next match against Portugal, Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo mocked the defender with some audacious skill.
Speaking to ITV Sport, Vieira said: “You need two around [Mats Hummels] to give him more protection.
“But I don’t know if Rudiger is the type of player that you can count on, he’s not the smartest one.
“Sometimes he makes a poor decision that gives his team-mates big big problems.
“We saw the goals that Germany conceded against France he can do silly things… the bite on Pogba – he’s somebody that can lose his head in any moment during a game.
“I think Hummels is not the quickest one but he’s really smart and uses his brain to try to defend well, but it’s going to be tough at this level for him.”

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Fellow pundit Gary Neville agreed with Vieira’s comments, adding: “Rudiger needs a project during a game, you need to give him an instruction. You can’t leave it open to chance with him.
“I think if you said to him ‘Go and stick to Cristiano’, I think he’s actually confident enough in a stupid way sometimes to think I’ll mark him out of a game and make sure he absolutely doesn’t get a kick.
“But I think if you say he goes there, you swap over, I think you will end up confusing him and he ends up getting pulled up all over the place.”
Rudiger has one year remaining on his existing Chelsea deal and is believed to be considering leaving the club, despite helping Tuchel’s side win the Champions League last month.
The Germany international recently welcomed the birth of his second child, naming the youngster Aaliyah Trophy Rudiger.
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Antonio Rudiger appears to bite Paul Pogba during Germany’s Euro 2020 clash with France More

MANCHESTER UNITED stars have shone on the international stage down the years.Ryan Giggs may have never made it to a tournament with Wales, but plenty of other United greats have.

Paul Pogba produced iconic performances at the 2018 World CupCredit: Afp or licensors
The Red Devils are well represented once again at Euro 2020, with the likes of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford hoping to sprinkle their stardust on the biggest stage.
Prior to the tournament, United themselves compiled an XI of players that have thrived for their countries while turning out for the Red Devils.
There’s no place for the likes of Wayne Rooney or Paul Scholes – so let’s take a look at who DID make their cut.
GK: PETER SCHMEICHEL
THE legendary Dane starred for his country during their fairytale run to Euro 92 glory.
Schmeichel kept a clean sheet against England, and also saved Marco van Basten’s pivotal penalty during the semi-final shoot-out against the Netherlands.
RB: GARY NEVILLE
CLASS OF 92 icon Gary Neville makes it in for his performances as a teenager at Euro 96.
The right-back helped the Three Lions to the semis aged just 19 – becoming an England regular for the next decade and playing in five more tournaments.
A fresh faced Gary Neville let no one down at Euro 96Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
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CB: JAAP STAM
Legendary hard-man Jaap Stam starred for the Netherlands during their run to the semi-finals at Euro 2000.
The warrior centre-back received stitches after a collision with fellow bruiser Jan Koller, and would sadly go on to miss a penalty in the shoot-out defeat to Italy.
CB: VICTOR LINDELOF
Current United star Victor Lindelof brushed off a disappointing first season at Old Trafford to star for Sweden at the 2018 World Cup.
Having missed his side’s first game, Lindelof helped them to clean sheets against Mexico and Switzerland, before losing out to England in the quarters. His Sweden face Poland on Wednesday and should qualify for the knockout stages.
Victor Lindelof tussles with Raheem Sterling in 2018Credit: AFP or licensors
LB: DENIS IRWIN
Former United favourite Denis Irwin represented Ireland at the 1994 World Cup.
The left-back helped his side to a famous 1-0 win over Italy, before departing in the Round of 16.
CM: NOBBY STILES
England legend Nobby Stiles played every single minute of the Three Lions’ World Cup triumph in 1966.
A tough-tackling midfielder, Stiles was honoured with an MBE in 2000, and sadly passed away last year aged 78.
Bobby Charlton, left, and Nobby Stiles, second left, celebrate with Bobby Moore and Ray WilsonCredit: PA:Press Association
CM: BOBBY CHARLTON
Another legend of 1966, Bobby Charlton earned the Ballon d’Or for his performances that year.
The midfielder bagged twice in England’s semi-final win over Portugal.
CM: PAUL POGBA
Current United ace Pogba was immense in 2018, as France won their second World Cup in Russia.
The midfielder made his mark on every single game, before capping his tournament off with a goal in the final against Croatia.
RW: CRISTIANO RONALDO
A teenage Cristiano Ronaldo was superb at Euro 2004, scoring goals against Greece and the Netherlands on the way to the final.
It was heartache for the winger in the final, but he would experience redemption 12 years later in France.
Cristiano Ronaldo suffered Euro 2004 final heartacheCredit: AFP
ST: ROBIN VAN PERSIE
Dutch legend Robin van Persie scored four goals for his country on the way to the semi-finals at the 2014 World Cup.
Among his efforts was a sensationally memorable diving header in a 5-1 win over then-world champions Spain.
LW: NORMAN WHITESIDE
Having made just two appearances for United prior to the 1982 World Cup, Norman Whiteside would give fans a taste of what was to come with his performances for Northern Ireland.
At 17, Whiteside remains the youngest player to ever play at a World Cup, featuring in every minute before his country were eliminated in the second round.
Teenage Norman Whiteside wriggles through Yugoslavia challengesCredit: Getty
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WALES defender Ethan Ampadu was given a straight red card against Italy for a late tackle on Federico Bernardeschi.The centre-back was enjoying his first start of a major tournament in place of Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham.

Wales captain Gareth Bale comforts Ethan Ampadu, 20, after his dismissal against Italy
Devastated to be sent off but these boys 🙌🏽 Massive credit for their fight. Last 16 🤩🤩! Thanks to all the fans who travelled and who supported from home❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿#TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/5Mk4wGu0ER— Ethan Ampadu (@ethanamp26) June 20, 2021

But he was given his marching orders just ten minutes into the second half for a stamp on Bernardeschi, which referee Ovidiu Hategan deemed serious foul play.
Both Ampadu and Gareth Bale protested the decision but to no avail, as VAR upheld the referee’s judgement.
The Chelsea youngster, 20, later tweeted: “Devastated to be sent off but these boys! Massive credit for their fight.
“Last 16! Thanks to all the fans who travelled and who supported from home.”
In commentary for BBC 5 Live, Nathan Blake said of the incident: “It’s a nasty one I have to say.
“It’s the sort of challenge that could leave Federico Bernardeschi with a broken ankle.
“Goes with a stretched right foot and just catches him in the ankle. He’s obviously not meant it. He’ll be devastated.”
But former Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes the referee was harsh to send off the youngster.
Ampadu hard done by, says Halsey’Yellow was sufficient’
Halsey said: “Ethan Ampadu was hard done by when he was sent off by Hategan.
“The defender made a reckless challenge on Bernardeschi but it was not a stamp or serious foul play that endangered a player’s safety for me.
“Ampadu attempted to win the ball and he was late on the challenge. He caught Bernardeschi on the top of the foot and a yellow card would have been sufficient.
“Hategan’s harsh call was a subjective decision and VAR would not get involved in a situation like that to overturn it.
“Had the Romanian referee shown a yellow card I don’t think anyone would have complained.”

He told SunSport: “Ampadu was hard done by when he was sent off by Hategan.
“The defender made a reckless challenge on Bernardeschi but it was not a stamp or serious foul play that endangered a player’s safety for me.
“Ampadu attempted to win the ball and he was late on the challenge. He caught Bernardeschi on the top of the foot and a yellow card would have been sufficient.
“Hategan’s harsh call was a subjective decision and VAR would not get involved in a situation like that to overturn it.
“Had the Romanian referee shown a yellow card I don’t think anyone would have complained.”
Despite the red card, Wales held firm for the remaining 35 minutes and managed not to concede a second Italy goal.

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Bale was presented with a great chance to level the match when Wales were down to ten men, but he blazed a volley over the crossbar.
But Wales’ narrow defeat was enough for them to hold onto second place, finishing above Switzerland on goal difference.
Rob Page’s side will travel to Amsterdam next and will likely face one of Russia, Finland or Denmark in the round of 16.
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