TheCable

Italy qualified for the final of the European championship on Wednesday night, thanks to a 4-2 win over Spain on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

In the thrilling encounter at Wembley Stadium, Federico Chiesa had given Roberto Mancini’s men the lead but Alvaro Morata’s Well placed strike forced an extra time before the lottery of penalties decided the winners.

Italy have now reached their 10th major tournament final and will feature in their fourth Euros final.

Spain started the better side, dominating the midfield with 70% of the possession and more attacking forays.

Daniel Olmo, however, missed their best chance of the first half as the RB Leipzig midfielder was denied by a low save from Gianluigi Donarumma, the Italian goalkeeper.

Olmo, Ferran Torres, and Mikel Oyarzabal all wasted further opening with wayward shots.

Italy’s only successful attack came in the final minute of the first period with Emerson Palmieri shooting high and wide from an acute angle and a goalless scoreline ensued at the interval.

Luis Enrique’s side continued to monopolise possession in the second half but Italy took the lead against the run of play through Chiesa. The Juventus winger controlled Aymeric Laporte’s clearance and curled brilliantly into the far corner for a 1-0 lead.

Oyarzabal and Olmo both wasted clear openings again minutes after, missing the bottom corner by inches while Italy were denied by Unai Simon in an end-to-end affair.

The Red Army eventually made it 1-1 ten minutes from time through Morata, with the substitute striker side-footing in from inside the area after exchanging passes with Olmo.

Italy held on to force extra time and had a goal ruled out for offside.

The Azurris eventually won 4-2 on penalties with Jorginho scoring the winning kick while Olmo and Morata missed for Spain.

Italy will play either England or Denmark in the Euro 2020 final.