Euro 2020: Italy Run Over Austria To Quarterfinals

Super sub, Federico Chiesa inspired Mancini's Italy through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Austria after extra-time at Wembley.

Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina struck in the opening period of extra-time to down the Austrians, who pulled a goal back in the 114th minute through Sasa Kalajdzic but couldn't find the equaliser.

In the last eight, Roberto Mancini's side will face either holder Portugal or Belgium in Munich on July 2.

Italy were the dominant team throughout the match but Austria did not hold back from challenging the Italians for a spot in the Quarterfinal.

A second half strike from Arnautovic was ruled offside as Alaba's header caused the striker to drift past the last defender. None of the two teams could find the back of the net until extra time.

When Juventus winger, Federico Chiesa got the box deep in Austria's 18-yard box and unleash a left-foot shot into the net.

Italy added another through Matteo Pessina's strike to keep the match in a comfortable position.

Sasa Kalajdzic almost created a comeback for Austria when he reduced the deficit to 1 with just 6 minutes on the watch but Italy managed to keep them at bay and went through into the next stage.

Italy vs Austria Records

- Italy have won four consecutive games at the European Championship for the second time, previously doing so in EURO 2000 when they ended up as losing finalists.

- Austria have lost all five of their meetings with Italy in major international tournaments (World Cup and EUROs), netting just two goals in these matches.

- This was Italy’s eighth game at the European Championship to go to extra time, more than any other side in the history of the competition. Their two goals tonight were their first-ever goals in the additional 30 minutes.

- This was just the second match in European Championship history to see as many as three goals scored in extra time, after France vs Portugal in 1984.

- After managing just two shots on target in 90 minutes, Italy had four efforts on target in the first 15 minutes of extra time, including their two goals.

- Sasa Kalajdzic’s goal for Austria was first Italy have conceded since October 2020, ending a run of 19 hours and 28 minutes without conceding for the Italians.

- Despite playing just 157 minutes at EURO 2020 so far, Marco Verratti has created more chances than any other player for Italy (9).

- Tonight was just the second time two different substitutes have scored in a European Championship game for Italy (Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina), after Alessandro Altobelli and Luigi De Agostini did so in 1988 against Denmark.

- Austria’s Marko Arnautovic was booked after 1 minute and 32 seconds, the earliest card is shown so far at EURO 2020.

Reuters