Euro 2020

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      TV viewers left hot under collar as Italy stars strip down to PANTS in wild celebrations after Belgium win at Euro 2020

      by

      A NUMBER of Italian players stripped down to their PANTS in wild celebrations after beating Belgium 2-1 at Euro 2020.Roberto Mancini’s men secured their place in the semi-finals thanks to first half goals from Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne.
      Giovanni Di Lorenzo whipped off his shorts following Italy’s 2-1 win against BelgiumCredit: EPA
      Andrea Belotti wasted no time in stripping down after Italy secured their place in the semi-finals at Euro 2020Credit: EPA
      Romelu Lukaku’s penalty halved the scoreline going into the break, but the Azzurri held on for the victory to set up a Tuesday clash against Spain.
      And despite Insigne’s sublime 25-yard strike, it was Italy’s post-match celebrations that caused a stir on social media.
      The likes of Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Andrea Belotti and Alessandro Bastoni all whipped off their shorts and threw them into the stands, leaving fans taken aback.
      One user cheekily commented: “YES TAKE YOUR PANTS OFF. I LOVE ITALY.”
      Another quipped: “No players love to be unclothed by fans and left in their undies in victory more than Italians.”
      A third added: “Gotta love seeing the Italy players stripping down to their underwear and celebrating. Ah yes! God bless.”
      Meanwhile one remarked: “Italy stripping down to their underwear in celebration GOD BLESS!!”
      One then stated: “Hang on, since when did throwing your shorts into the crowd become a thing?”

      Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni got down to his pants despite never coming off the benchCredit: AP
      Italy face Spain in the last four of the European Championship on TuesdayCredit: EPA

      Another joked: “On a more shallow note – oooh number two Italy – nice pants.”
      Italy’s meeting against Spain on Tuesday will be the fourth European Championship in a row they have faced each other in the knockout stages.
      Spain beat Italy on penalties in 2008 in the quarter-finals, before smashing the Azzurri 4-0 in the 2012 final.
      Though Italy did get their revenge in 2016 after grinding out a 2-0 win in the last-16.
      BBC pundits laugh about Ciro Immobile’s incredible recovery after rolling on floor as Italy score against Belgium More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2020 LIVE: Spinazzola ‘out for months’ after achilles injury, England vs Ukraine quarter-final build up – latest

      by

      EURO 2020 is rolling on at pace as the quarter-finals continue.And what a tournament we’ve had so far – world champs France OUT, holders Portugal OUT, Belgium’s Golden Generation OUT and England FINALLY beating Germany.
      The Three Lions next face Ukraine in Rome tomorrow night in their final eight clash.
      But travel restrictions mean there will be no England fans in attendance at the Stadio Olimpico.
      Meanwhile Leonardo Spinazzola is reportedly out for months after being stretchered off in Italy’s win against Belgium.
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: GET £10 FREE BONUS WITH NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      EURO STAR – EXCLUSIVE
      Jose Mourinho column
      As a manager going into a massive week like the one Gareth Southgate is facing, the pressure is everywhere — and you have only one option.
      You become a lonely animal. You don’t socialise, you don’t walk in the street, you don’t shop, you don’t read anything, you don’t watch television, you don’t put on the sports radio in the car.
      Gareth had the courage to do what he felt was best with his team selection against Germany and it paid off.
      He is showing personality, a capacity to deal with all this pressure around the England team.
      I think that pressure is only going to increase. Because the feeling now — and it’s my feeling too, I won’t hide it — is that England has to reach the final.
      The national team is the club of everybody. Everybody cares. Everybody has an opinion.

      ARE EU OK?
      Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara showed his class after consoling Ruben Vargas following Switzerland’s Euro 2020 exit.
      The Augsburg winger, 22, was one of three Swiss players to miss in the penalty shootout as they were knocked out in the quarter-finals.
      Switzerland missed out on the chance to reach the semi-final of a major competition for the first time in their history.
      Their defeat reduced Vargas to tears following the shootout, with Liverpool ace Thiago quick to console the youngster.
      And the ex-Bayern Munich star also comforted goalkeeper Yann Sommer following his epic performance.

      GAZZA BACKS GAFFER – EXCLUSIVE
      Paul Gascoigne says England can win the Euros if we throw all our support behind boss Gareth Southgate.
      Legend Gazza told fans and players ahead of tonight’s quarter-final with Ukraine in Rome: “If we trust in Gareth, everything else will come good.”
      Gazza’s Three Lions battle cry came as captain Harry Kane got off the plane ready to cane Ukraine.
      Urging supporters at home and in Italy to play their part, he told The Sun: “The crucial thing is for as many England fans as possible to get to the game and, most importantly, get behind Gareth. He’s the answer to everything for us, and we need to believe in him.”
      Gazza, now 54, was England’s hero in the 1996 tournament and rallied to Southgate’s side after his cruel penalty miss against Germany in the semi-final.
      The ex-Spurs and Lazio ace added: “I know Gareth well and we’re still good mates so I know he’s got what it takes to take us all the way. He’s the key.”

      FULL-TIME!
      ITALY REACH THE SEMIS!
      Italy 2 – 1 Belgium
      Roberto Mancini’s side edge a thrilling encounter in Munich and will face Spain at Wembley in the semi-finals next Tuesday.
      Barella opened the scoring before Insigne doubled their lead with a fantastic strike.
      Romelu Lukaku pulled one back with a penalty on the stroke of half-time but Roberto Martinez’s side could not get another in the second-half despite coming close on several occasions.
      🇮🇹 Italy see off Belgium to book a semi-final date with Spain! 👏👏👏#EURO2020— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 2, 2021

      SHHHH
      Belgium hitman Romelu Lukaku taunted Italy keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma after slamming home a penalty in their quarter-final tie.
      Moments after going 2-0 down to a wonderful strike from Lorenzo Insigne, the Red Devils were awarded a spot-kick for a foul on Jeremy Doku.
      In a bid to get into the head of the Inter Milan forward, ex-AC stopper Donnarumma patted him on the back of the head moments before he stepped up to take the pen.
      Lukaku proved to have nerves of steel, cooly slotting the ball past the PSG keeper.
      And after picking up the ball to initiate a quick restart, the former Manchester United man put his index finger to his mouth to shush the 22-year-old.
      Lukaku’s gesture didn’t go unnoticed, with one fan saying: “Lukaku rightly silences Donnarumma.”

      PITCHING IN
      Wales star Gareth Bale will have his Real Madrid bosses tearing their hair out in frustration again, after announcing new plans to indulge his passion for golf.
      The superstar, who has been accused by Real fans and officials of caring about golf more than he does about football, is throwing his weight behind his country’s national Open later this month.
      The Wales Open will be re-named the Cazoo Open supported by Gareth Bale when it returns to Celtic Manor – home of the 2010 Ryder Cup – from July 22-25.
      Bale has persuaded his management company, ICM Stellar Sports, to become joint sponsors with car retailers Cazoo, and is expected to tee it up at the Pro-Am leading into the event.
      Bale commented: ”After watching the coverage last year we decided we wanted to play a part in the development of golf in Wales. We want to make golf in Wales bigger and we believe that this event can play a big role in that.
      “We want to make it a real spectacle. And hopefully, we can get more people watching, and grow the game in Wales.”

      HALF-TIME!
      Italy 2 – 1 Belgium
      And breathe!
      What a half.
      Italy raced into a 2-0 lead through Barella and Insigne before Romelu Lukaku made a game of it on the stroke of half-time with a penalty.
      All to play for in the second-half.

      GOOOOOOAAAALLLL – LUKAKU!
      Italy 2 – 1 Belgium
      45+2. Game on!
      Jérémy Doku burst into the left side of the box and was shoved over by Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
      The ref pointed to the spot and Romelu Lukaku stepped up and smashed it down the middle.
      GOOOOOAAAALLL – INSIGNE!
      Italy 2 – 0 Belgium
      42. What a strike.
      The pint-size superstar cuts in from the left and smashes it into the far right corner with his right foot.
      Take a bow son.

      GOOOOOOAAAALLL – BARELLA!
      Italy 1 – 0 Belgium
      31. Jan Vertonghen makes a total mess of his clearance.
      The ball finds Barella on the right hand side of the penalty box.
      He wriggles away from three Belgium defenders and smashes it across Courtois into the left corner.

      GUNNER WORRY
      England could be without Bukayo Saka for their quarter-final clash against Ukraine.
      The Arsenal star started the brilliant 2-0 win against Germany, but came off for Jack Grealish on 69 minutes.
      Speaking ahead of the Ukraine clash, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate said: “We have just to check on Buyako who had a slight knock today. But other than that everyone else is available.”
      All 26 players trained at St George’s Park ahead of this afternoon’s flight to Italy, where they are overriding favourites with bookmakers to progress to the semi-finals.
      Ukraine are 24th in the Fifa world rankings – 20 spots below England – and progressed to the last 16 as the luckiest third-placed side.
      Andriy Shevchenko’s men beat 10-man Sweden 2-1 in extra-time on Tuesday and Southgate is ready for a tough evening.

      KEANE THEY HANDLE IT?
      Roy Keane has hailed ‘brilliant’ Gareth Southgate but shared a few warnings for the England boss.
      The former Manchester United player applauded Southgate’s ability to manage the different egos in the squad and noted how well the squad has operated on and off the pitch.
      In ITV’s pre-match coverage of Switzerland vs Spain, he said: “In lots of big tournaments there’s been a circus around England, with certain personalities, we don’t see it with this group.
      “There’ll be egos within the group, there’s some big players at big clubs. But this is where Gareth’s management skills come into it.
      “The biggest danger to England against Ukraine is themselves. I wouldn’t be looking too far ahead. Gareth’s personality is a big help to this England group.
      “He’s so calm, you can only look at the next game as the next game is always the hardest game.”

      KICK-OFF!
      Belgium vs Italy is off and underway in Munich.
      The winner will face Spain in the semi-finals.
      And you can follow the kick-by-kick action with our LIVE match blog here.
      SPAIN WIN!
      Switzerland’s giant-killing run comes to an end after a poor quality penalty shoot-out.
      Spain win 3-1 with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring the winner.
      The Spanish play Italy or Belgium in the semi and that game kicks off in 15 minutes.
      Oyarzabal keeps his composure and Spain are through!🇪🇸 ❌✅❌✅✅🇨🇭 ✅❌❌❌#EURO2020— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 2, 2021

      IT’S PENALTIES!
      Spain 1 – 1 Switzerland (AET)
      That’s it – 120 minutes gone and it’s down to the lottery of penalty kicks for the first place in the Euro 2020 semi-finals.
      You can follow the action with our LIVE match blog HERE.
      TEAM NEWS IS IN!
      Italy face Belgium in the other of tonight’s Euro 2020 quarter-finals.
      The game kicks off at 8pm in Munich.
      And here’s how the teams line up.
      🇮🇹 Chiesa starts for Italy in the second quarter-final! #EURO2020— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 2, 2021

      HALF-TIME OF EXTRA TIME!
      Spain 1 – 1 Switzerland
      Still no winner but Spain are turning the screw.
      15 minutes until penalties if it stays like this.
      FULL-TIME!
      Spain 1 – 1 Switzerland
      It’s extra-time!
      Jordi Alba’s first-half deflected effort was cancelled out by Xherdan Shaqiri in the second-half.
      Remo Freuler was sent-off for a two-footed lunge soon after but Spain could not make the extra man pay.
      Half an hour to go.
      You can follow the kick-by-kick action from the Euro 2020 quarter-final with our LIVE match blog HERE.

      CHILLING OUT
      Ben Chilwell has shared a selfie showing himself seated next to Jack Grealish on a plane destined for Rome.
      And the photo comes four years after the pair took a snap together on a journey to the under-21 European Championships.
      Chelsea star Chilwell, 24, and Aston Villa captain Grealish, 25, were fresh-faced youngsters during that tournament, without a strand of facial hair between them.
      But a lot has changed since then, with Chilwell earning a £50million move to Stamford Bridge and Grealish heavily linked with a £100m switch to Manchester City.

      RED CARD – FREULER!
      77. Switzerland are down to 10!
      They were just coming back into the game and Remo Freuler has made the last 13 minutes very very difficult for his team.
      Gerard Moreno was passed the ball midway inside the Swiss half when Freuler slid in.
      He appeared to play the ball but both feet were off the ground and Premier League ref Michael Oliver wasted no time in producing the red.

      GOOOOOOAAAALLLL – SHAQIRI!
      Spain 1 – 1 Switzerland
      Xherdan Shaqiri capitalises on a huge Spanish error to make it 1-1.
      The Swiss have barely had a sniff but are well and truly back in it now.

      OL BE READY
      Oleksandr Zinchenko has warned England’s rock solid defence: Nobody’s perfect.
      Zinchenko and his Ukraine side will attempt to become the first team to score against the Three Lions during Euro 2020 when they two sides meet in Rome tomorrow.
      The Manchester City ace admits it will take the performance of their careers if they are to upset the odds and secure a semi-final place – but they are planning to do just that.
      Zinchenko, 24, said: “Numbers speak for themselves, and the fact that England hasn’t conceded any goals so far shows they play very well in defence. But there are no perfect teams. Every team has weaknesses.
      “Over the last couple of years I’ve been playing with Kyle Walker and John Stones, and they play to a very high level. And last season they played amazing.
      “It will not be easy, we know. But at this stage of the tournament, everything is possible. The coaching team will tell us how score and we will do our best, we will try to surprise them. But we realise that to get through, all the players and the whole team, they will need to play probably the best game of their lives.”
      HALF-TIME!
      Spain 1 – 0 Switzerland
      Jordi Alba’s effort which deflected in off Denis Zakaria’s foot after eight minutes is enough to see the Spanish go in ahead at the break.
      But you sense there’s more drama to come in the second-half…
      🇨🇭 🇪🇸 Zakaria’s own goal separates the teams at the break…Second-half predictions? 🔮#EURO2020— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 2, 2021

      GLADIATORS READY
      England have completed their final training session before flying out to Rome to take on Ukraine in the Euro 2020 quarter-final.
      The Three Lions booked their place in the last-eight with a convincing 2-0 victory over Germany on Tuesday evening.
      Gareth Southgate has been left scratching his head with a plethora of selection dilemmas to mull over.
      But on Friday, the England chief had a fully-fit and available 26-man group to work with at training.
      The likes of captain Harry Kane and Harry Maguire were spotted grinning throughout the session, with Southgate also beaming.
      After their afternoon’s work was done, the Three Lions players hopped on the team bus and made their way to the airport. England will fly to Rome this evening, get a good night’s sleep and have one final training session on Saturday morning in Italy.

      GOOOOOAAAAALLLL!
      Spain 1 – 0 Switzerland
      8. A corner sails over everyone and finds Jordi Alba near the left corner of the penalty area.
      The Barcelona left-back hits it first time on the half volley from just outside the box and it deflects into the net after hitting a desperately unlucky Denis Zakaria’s foot on the way through.
      Load more entries… More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Belgium 1-2 Italy LIVE RESULT: Insigne and Barella wondergoals set up Spain semi-final – Euro 2020 reaction

      by

      ITALY have won a pulsating Euro 2020 clash against Belgium to set up a semi-final against Spain.Nicolo Barella put the Italians in front before Lorenzo Insigne curled a stunning goal into the top corner.
      However, Belgium were given hope with a controversial penalty from Romelu Lukaku.
      But the Italians held out brilliantly in the second half to earn a trip to Wembley.

      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: GET £10 FREE BONUS WITH NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED

      ARRIVEDERCI
      It’s one-on-one – or at least it is as far as Italy and Spain are concerned.
      The two nations will face off in the first Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley on Tuesday after the Azzurri knocked out the number one ranked side in the world, Belgium, earlier this evening.
      Roberto Mancini’s men impressed yet again with their tireless tempo as they engineered a two-goal cushion, and then demonstrated their defensive nous and darks arts in seeing the game out once their lead was halved.
      The Italians march on, but will have to do so without Leanardo Spinazzola, whose injury late on marred another otherwise triumphant night.
      For Belgium, their Golden Generation depart at a quarter-final stage yet again, and perhaps for the last time. We will undoubtedly look back at this collection of players in years to come and wonder how they didn’t win anything.
      We’re back tomorrow with the other two quarter-finals that includes the big one in Rome between England and Ukraine. Get some rest, you’re gonna need it.
      Goodnight.
      FORMIDABLE FIFTEEN
      A place in the semi-finals of Euro 2020, thirty-one international games unbeaten, and now a new record for consecutive European Championship wins, it has been some turnaround for Italy under Roberto Mancini.
      The Azzurri won all ten of their matches in qualifying for this tournament, and have followed it up with five straight successes at the finals.

      DRIBBLING DOKU A BRIGHT LIGHT FOR BELGIUM
      The number one ranked team in the world may be packing their bags to head home, but in the emergence of Jeremy Doku on the international stage, they have one reason to be hopeful for the future.
      The 19-year-old Rennes star could be the first of Belgium’s new golden generation.

      SPINAZZOLA INJURY SHOCKER
      Sky Sports Italia are reporting that Leonardo Spinazzola has ruptured his Achilles tendon.
      The left-back has been one of the stars of the European Championship, and had put in another superb shift this evening before pulling up in the 77th minute.

      CIRO MOST MOBILE
      Wonderful footage has emerged of Ciro Immobile’s antics during Italy’s opening goal this evening.
      The striker falls to the ground in an attempt to win a penalty, and continues to roll around until he realises Nicolo Barella has just scorched one in.
      And then, as if by magic…

      FULL TIME STATS
      Italy edge through to face Spain at Wembley despite coming under pressure from Belgium in the second half.

      HAVE YOUR SAY
      Roberto Mancini’s stylish Italy will face Luis Enrique’s free-scoring Spain at Wembley on Tuesday. Reckon you can predict the full-time score? You could win £250 cash if you get it right!

      FT: BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      Italy have followed up their explosive attacking from the first half with a robust defensive display in the second to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020. Super goals from Nicolo Barello and and Lorenzo Insigne did the damage before their back four stood firm to Romelu Lukaku’s power, Jeremy Doku’s pace and Kevin De Bruyne’s craft. The Azzurri are now 31 international games unbeaten, and will be full of confidence when they face Spain at Wembley on Tuesday.

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!IT’S ALL OVER IN MUNICH!
      BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      90+7. Corner to Belgium.
      Courtois comes up. This is it.
      Across comes the delivery, Hazard gets a head on it…
      ….it drops the wrong side of the far post.
      Donnarumma celebrates as he retrieves the ball. Chiellini punches the air.

      BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      90+4. It’s more stop than start at the moment as the referee’s whistle gets plenty of practice.
      Belgium look out of ideas – and they’re almost out of time.
      BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      90+2. At the second attempt, De Bruyne’s curler is floated in the direction of Witsel, only to be punched away by Donnarumma, who had come steaming off his line.
      The goalkeeper has indicated he’s injured, and is asking for treatment.
      This is some classic 1990’s Serie A, Channel 4 game management from the Italians.

      BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      90. De Bruyne goes for the curling cross, only to smash the free-kick straight into Berrardi.
      Surely the Italian wasn’t ten yards there? He wasn’t, and the free-kick will be retaken. It’s a booking for Berrardi.
      BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      89. De Bruyne makes amends by bursting forward, and beating Berrardi to a loose ball 30 yards from goal, and then teasing the Italian substitute into making a foul.
      Free-kick in a promising position for Belgium.
      BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      88. Belgium go long for Lukaku, who does well to hold off the challenge on the edge of the box before De Bruyne, of all people, gives possession away.
      BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      86. Doku is Belgium’s threat now, and the ball almost seems to be glued to his feet.
      Anyone making a challenge on the 19-year-old in the penalty area has to make sure it’s absolutely perfect, and that’s exactly what Jorginho does.
      He dribbles calmly out of his area too.
      BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      84. Doku does it alone!
      The teenager dances along the end of the Italian penalty area from the left and, although slightly off balance, manages to get a crisp strike away that soars a yard over the crossbar.
      BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      81. Inside the final ten plus minutes. What have Belgium got?
      BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      79. That injury really slowed things down, and the Belgium players were quickly across to ensure referee Slavko Vincic was taking accurate note of the time delay.
      BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      76. Oh no!
      Leonard Spinazzola has been brilliant at these Euros, but the left-back’s match and – almost certainly – his tournament is over.
      With no-one near him, he pulls up while sprinting down the touchline and immediately signals for a change.
      At first, the defender deals with the injury with a certain stoicism, but soon hits the turf and covers his eyes to hide his emotions.
      He eventually leaves on a stretcher and is replaced by Emerson.

      BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      75. De Bruyne and Lukaku have quarter of an hour to rescue this one, and the pair combine on the edge of the box for the latter to shoot.
      Another excellent block, however, takes it through gently to Donnarumma.
      BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      74. Italy make a double change of their own with Bryan Cristante and Andrea Belotti on for Marco Veratti and Ciro Immobile.
      HAVE YOUR SAY
      It’s end to end stuff as we approach the final 15 minutes and Belgium are very much still in it, but will they be able to find an equaliser? Who are YOU backing to go through in this quarter final clash?

      BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      73. Yes, Nacer Chadli’s cameo is over. He limps off and is replaced by Dennis Praet.
      BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY
      72. A nightmare for Chadli. The substitute has gone down, and having only just come on, looks as though he will have to head straight back off.
      Load more entries… More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Belgium star Nacer Chadli quickest substitute of Euro 2020 as Belgium star comes on and off in FOUR minutes vs Italy

      by

      NACER CHADLI set an unwanted record in Belgium’s Euro 2020 quarter-final with Italy on Friday – becoming the quickest substitute of the tournament.The former Tottenham forward came on in the 70th minute with his team in desperate need of a goal to take the match into extra time.
      Nacer Chadli came on a second-half substitute in Belgium’s clash with ItalyCredit: AP
      But injury forced the former Spurs man back to the sidelines after a mere four minutesCredit: Getty
      But just a mere four minutes later, the 31-year-old was hobbling off the pitch after suffering what appeared to be a muscular injury.
      Footy fans couldn’t help but comment on Chadli’s unfortunate withdrawal from the match, with one saying: “Sorry for my akh Nacer Chadli, muscle injuries are the worst that come.”
      Another said: “Chadli has to be the quickest sub to be subbed.”
      And another said: “Chadli with the Adam Lallana award for being injured as a sub.”
      One remarked: “Nacer Chadli coming on for only 5 mins and then subbed off cause of injury. Hard luck.”
      Roberto Martinez’s side were dumped out of the tournament courtesy of a 2-1 defeat to the Azzuri.

      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: GET £10 FREE BONUS WITH NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED

      First-half goals from Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne booked Roberto Mancini’s side a place in the final four of the tournament.
      Inter Milan hitman Romelu Lukaku pulled a goal back for the Red Devils just before half-time from the penalty sport.
      But the Belgians were unable to create enough clear-cut chances to draw themselves level.
      Speaking after the final whistle, Napoli’s Insigne said: “I think every single player in the team played an incredible game tonight.
      “I always try that shot, in games and in training. I’m happy it went in.
      Nicolo Barella is mobbed by his team-mates after scoring Italy’s openerCredit: AP

      “It was a great goal but I repeat, we won all together tonight.”
      Elated Azzuri keeper Donnarumma chimed in: “We won as a team, this is an extraordinary group.
      “I still have to watch that save from [Kevin] De Bruyne back but we are here just to give our best and give Italians joy.”
      The high-flying Italians will meet three-time tournament winners Spain for a place in next Sunday’s final.
      Their eagerly-anticipated clash will be a rematch of the 2012 final in Kiev, where the Spaniards thumped Cesare Prandelli’s 4-0 to claim their third European Championship.
      BBC pundits laugh about Ciro Immobile’s incredible recovery after rolling on floor as Italy score against Belgium More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Italy star Domenico Berardi with ‘amazing s***housery’ after wasting time by charging free-kick vs Belgium at Euro 2020

      by

      DOMENICO BERARDI showed no mercy as he wasted time against Belgium by ruthlessly charging down a late free-kick.And football fans flocked to Twitter to hail the Italian’s ‘amazing s***housery’.
      Domenico Berardi showed no mercy as he charged down a late Belgium free-kickCredit: BBC
      Kevin De Bruyne sent a ball in but Berardi had other ideasCredit: BBC
      Fans were quick to praise Berardi’s ‘s***housery’ on social mediaCredit: BBC
      A thrilling game at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena saw Roberto Mancini’s men book their place in the Euro 2020 semis with a 2-1 win.
      Goals from Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne sealed a famous victory for Italy, although they were forced to defend for most of the second half after Romelu Lukaku’s penalty gave Belgium a lifeline.
      Mancini’s no-nonsense side scrapped for every ball and metre of space on the field as their impressive tournament run continued.
      But it was Berardi’s actions late on that caught the attention of viewers.
      With time ticking down, Belgium won a deep indirect free-kick.
      They sent just about every player into Italy’s box as set-piece specialist Kevin De Bruyne stood over the ball.
      However, Berardi looked to be much closer than ten yards as he formed a one-man wall.
      And as De Bruyne launched the ball into the air, the Sassuolo forward charged ahead to block the effort.

      It worked perfectly, with the ball hitting him no more than six yards away, helping to wind down the clock as Italy made another substitution to take the sting out of Belgium.
      And after the final whistle was blown, football fans had their say on social media.
      One said: “I don’t think Berardi was ten yards from the ball for that free kick…”
      Another wrote: “Pure s***housery, loved it.”
      One noted: “The Berardi incident was epitome. Killed about two mins when Mancini added a sub on the end.”
      Another tweeted: “That De Bruyne free kick was entering the net!”
      One added: “I hate that Berardi free kick jump thing too. So blatant and annoying.”
      That De Bruyne’s free kick was entering net 😂 ogun k!ll berardi— $nakey (@99Snky) July 2, 2021

      I hated that Berardi free kick jump thing too. So blatant and annoying— FPL Nicholson (@FPL_Nicholson) July 2, 2021

      BBC pundits laugh about Ciro Immobile’s incredible recovery after rolling on floor as Italy score against Belgium More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Lorenzo Insigne score stunning solo 25-yard screamer for Italy against Belgium sending fans wild at Euro 2020

      by

      LORENZO INSGINE scored a sublime winning goal against Belgium to send Italy into the semi-finals at Euro 2020.The Napoli winger, 30, put his side 2-0 up at the end of the first half with an emphatic curling strike.

      Lorenzo Insigne scored a stunning strike for Italy in their 2-1 win against BelgiumCredit: Reuters
      Insigne was named as the man of the match for his performance in the Euro 2020 quarter-final clashCredit: AFP
      He picked up the ball inside his own half before skipping past Youri Tielemans, where he then took aim from 25 yards out.
      His shot nestled into the top right corner despite goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ best efforts to keep it out.
      Insigne’s goal proved crucial as Belgium instantly won a penalty from kick-off, which was converted by Romelu Lukaku.
      But Italy held out for the win to set up a semi-final clash against Spain on Tuesday.
      The two countries have met each other in the knockout stages at the European Championship in the last three tournaments.
      Spain beat Italy on penalties in 2008 in the quarter-finals, before smashing the Azzurri 4-0 in the 2012 final.
      Though Italy did get their revenge in 2016 after grinding out a 2-0 win in the last-16.
      And the 2006 World Cup champions will go into their next meeting full of confidence having won all five games at Euro 2020, while conceding just twice.

      Match-winner Insigne has scored twice this tournament having also curled home against Turkey in the opening match.
      His beauty against Belgium saw him win the man of the match, and fans quickly took to social media to laud the forward.
      One user tweeted: “Insigne’s goal will surely win goal of the tournament… what a goal it was.”
      Another commented: “Insigne loves a curler top corner such a brilliant player.”
      A third added: “Insigne amazing, amazing. Is there a better ball-striker than him cutting in from the left channel? Don’t think so.”
      Meanwhile one said: “Insigne has been one of my favourite players to watch this tournament. Just an unreal talent.”
      Watch touching moment classy Thiago consoles Ruben Vargas after Switzerland ace missed penalty in Spain defeat More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Italy ace Leonardo Spinazzola stretchered off in near tears as his Euro 2020 looks over after Achilles injury vs Belgium

      by

      ITALY star Leonardo Spinazzola looks to be OUT of the rest of the Euros after reportedly snapping his Achilles tendon.The left-back, who has been one of the stars of the tournament, pulled up after chasing the ball behind Belgium’s Thorgan Hazard without any contact.
      Leonardo Spinazzola could be OUT of Euro 2020 after he had to be carried off on a stretcherCredit: AP
      Spinazzola buried his head in his hands while being carried off the pitchCredit: EPA
      And Spinazzola, 28, seemingly knew the injury was serious straight away as he immediately called for medical assistance.
      Fellow Roma team-mate Bryan Cristante came to his aid first and helped him to lie down on the pitch.
      Spinazzola then covered his face and appeared to be close to tears as the physios attended to him.
      It was not long until a stretcher came to carry Spinazzola away, likely signifying the end to his Euro 2020 campaign.
      Sky Sports Italy reported that he had snapped his Achilles tendon.
      It is a sad conclusion for the defender as he has been one of the most impressive performers – not only for Italy but in the tournament as a whole.
      And it is fair to say he has won his fair share of admirers.
      Gary Lineker led the plaudits towards the Roma ace, saying: “Such a shame for Spinazzola. He’s been one of the player’s one of the tournament.”

      The left-back has been one of the standout players of Euro 2020
      Such a shame for Spinazzola. He’s been one of the player’s one of the tournament.— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) July 2, 2021

      Horrible way for Spinazzola’s euro 2020 to end. Player of the tournament for me.— tariq panja (@tariqpanja) July 2, 2021

      Spinazzola 😢 definitely in the team of the tournament #ForMe— Tom Worville (@Worville) July 2, 2021

      And Football Joe were in agreement, adding: “Spinazzola down injured and in tears. A massive blow for Italy, losing one of the best players in this tournament so far.”
      Another fan tweeted: “Horrible way for Spinazzola’s Euro 2020 to end. Player of the tournament for me.”
      And according to Sky Sports, via Fabrizio Romano, Spinazzola has broken his Achilles tendon so he is likely to be out for several months.
      He missed the last 11 minutes but his team-mates held onto a 2-1 lead to progress to the semi-final.
      Italy will now meet Spain at Wembley on Tuesday, July 6.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Watch Ciro Immobile’s incredible recovery after rolling on floor as Italy score against Belgium More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Southgate willing to risk semi-final heartbreak for four England stars on yellow cards who face Euro 2020 suspension

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE is prepared to risk semi- final heartbreak for his stars by fielding a full-strength team tonight.Harry Maguire, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice and Phil Foden would miss a Wembley semi if they get a second Euro 2020 caution against Ukraine in Rome.
      Gareth Southgate has some big decisions to make for the Ukraine matchCredit: Getty
      Harry Maguire is not long back from injury but could miss the semis with suspensionCredit: Getty
      Declan Rice is another player on a yellow cardCredit: Getty
      SunSport columnist Jose Mourinho called for Southgate to rest the quartet for the quarter-final tie. But the England boss says he will not allow the yellow card issue to affect his team selection.
      Southgate said: “We’ve been to three semi-finals in 60 years so I don’t think we’re in a position to start resting players in a quarter-final because they might get another yellow.
      “I can’t think of a nation that would do that. It would be an insult to Ukraine as well. I have never seen it happen and it is not in our thinking.
      “It would be a bad message for our players and would be the wrong message for Ukraine.
      “I think it’s different if there are physical concerns but, in terms of yellow cards, we’ve got to play the game. What are we saving them for?
      “We’ve got to be good enough to get to a semi-final — and if for one minute we take our eye off of that moment we’re in now and think about what might happen in the future, then we’re in trouble.
      “I was on a yellow before the 1996 semi-final with Germany and had I picked up a yellow in that game I would have missed the final had we ever got there.
      “So you are aware of it as a player. You have to be committed to the game, avoid unnecessary yellows if you can but accept you might mistime something.”

      EURO 2020 FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      Phil Foden is also walking a suspension tightropeCredit: Getty
      Kalvin Phillips completes the quartet who are at risk of missing the semi-finalsCredit: Getty

      Foden was rested for the final group game with Czech Republic as he was already on a booking.
      But Southgate explained: “It was different in the group phase when we had qualified and knew what we were dealing with. We could strategically do that.”
      All bookings will be wiped out once teams reach the semi-finals.
      Southgate is set to use a back four and Mason Mount should start in England’s first game of the finals away from Wembley.
      Kyle Walker could go to right-back as Kieran Trippier struggles with a hamstring issue, while Foden may start in place of Bukayo Saka who has a knock.

      Despite a famous 2-0 win over Germany in the last 16, Southgate said:
      “We’ve achieved one challenge but that’s not the Everest we set ourselves, really. We want to push on.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      The England team arrive at their hotel ahead of quarter-final Euro 2020 match in Rome More