Alvaro Morata turned from hero to villain on Tuesday night at Wembley stadium when he first scored the equaliser for Spain against Italy and then missed a crucial penalty in the shoot-out.
Italy’s Jorginho made no mistake with the all-important penalty to take the Azzurri through to the EURO2020 final with a 4-2 victory.
After a tough goalless first half, Federico Chiesa put Italy ahead in the second stanza with a curling shot that eluded Unai Simón in goal for Spain.
Just when it seemed Italy would defend their single goal lead to the end, substitute Morata was calm at the end of a good passing move to place the ball into the net with Gianluigi Donnarumma going the wrong way.
It remained 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes. There was no change in extra time.
Spain had more possession but the Italians remained resolute in defence.
Then came the shoot-out that started with both teams missing their first penalties. When Donnarumma saved Morata’s penalty it was all but over. Jorginho made sure to put the icing on the cake for the Blues.
The victory means Italy will make their 10th appearance at a major final after an impressive run of 33 straight matches without a loss, the longest unbeaten streak in the team’s history.
In the final the Azzurri will play either England or Denmark, who have a date at Wembley Wednesday.
