ITALY TO FACE SPAIN IN SEMIS

Italy will face Spain in the semi-finals at Euro 2020 after they saw off Belgium in their quarterfinal meeting at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany on Friday night. The Italians sealed a last eight clash with the number one ranked team on the latest FIFA Rankings after seeing off Austria in the round of 16 at the end of extra time.

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After a goalless affair in regulation time, Italy went on to beat Austria 2-1 in extra time to seal a quarterfinal meeting with Belgium who saw off defending champions Portugal 1-0 thanks to the first half strike from Thorgan Hazard.

Italian football is back at the top once again as masterminded by manager Roberto Mancini after the disappointments of not qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia. Italy failed to qualify for a World Cup tournament for the first time in six decades when they missed out on Russia three years ago. Italian football was at its lowest point in decades when Mancini took charge three years ago and the former Manchester City and Inter Milan manager has been able to take Italian football back to the top.

Mancini and his Italian players showed that Italian football is back where it belongs at the top when they defeated Belgium 2-1 in their last eight clash to setup a semi-final encounter with Spain in what’s a repeat of the Euro 2012 final. Spain thrashed Italy 4-0 in that final to retain their title.

Italy took the lead against the Belgians thanks to Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella just after the hour mark before Napoli attacker Lorenzo Insigne doubled the lead a minute before the break. Belgium were handed a lifeline when Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku pulled a goal back from the penalty spot just before the break after impressive Belgian winger Jeremy Doku was fouled in the box by Italy right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Belgium were unable to complete the comeback as Italy secured a last four meeting with Spain who beat Switzerland on penalties in their quarterfinal clash.