It has cost blood, sweat and extensions, but the Italians have qualified for the quarter-finals (2-1). In the end, it was substitutes Chiesa and Pessina who Azzuri beyond Austria. Soon against the Red Devils or Portugal it will be a bit more.
If there was one top country that we didn’t expect to need extra time in its 1/8th final, it would be Italy. Jorginho and co. were showered with praise after their first three matches for the play they had already shown at this European Championship. Moreover, with Austria they got a very feasible card as an opponent on paper.
It was therefore a bit of a shock after fifteen minutes. Possession of the ball after fifteen minutes of football: 65 percent… for the Austrians. David Alaba and co. started the match full of fire, claimed the ball and patiently looked for a hole in the Italian defence. Score a goal against the Azzuri however, is no mean feat. Italy did not concede a single goal in the group stage. Gianluigi Donnarumma even managed a clean sheet for eleven games in a row. Dino Zoff’s record – twelve in a row – beckoned.
Saved by the VAR
The Italians had a hard time, but recovered the balance a little after the quarter of an hour. Creating opportunities, however, remained difficult. Italy mainly threatened from a distance. Barella saw his attempt turned by Bachmann. A cone of Immobile stranded at the intersection.
Even after the break, the Austrians eagerly came out of the dressing room. First, Arnautovic choked on a dribble, only to see Alaba shoot a free kick in an interesting position. But a little past the hour it was worth it. After a cross, David Alaba, who had advanced along, headed the ball well back to Arnautovic, who buffed the ball past Donnarumma through the crossbar. However, the Austrian striker was one foot offside. Italy saved by the VAR.
Anyone who thought that the Italians would wake up after that disallowed goal were disappointed. The Austrians did not retreat for their own goal, but kept looking for the opening goal. The Italians, meanwhile, still had a hard time creating anything against an energetic Austria.
Invaders do it
In the end, it was just a matter of time until extra time for the first valid goal. It was Leonardo Spinazzola, one of the revelations of the group stage, who found Federico Chiesa on the right. The substitute cleverly cut out his direct opponent and kicked the ball past Bachmann in the far corner.
After the opening goal, it seemed the fence of the dam. With Matteo Pessina it was again a substitute who even made it 2-0. After that, it seemed especially important for the Italians to finish the game, although the Austrians continued to insist.
Seven minutes before time, the visitors even signed for the connecting goal. After a good corner from Schaub, Kalajdzic worked the ball past Donnarumma. The Italians shivered and trembled for another five minutes, but eventually made it through the ditch. Italy breathed a sigh of relief. And then Portugal or the Red Devils have yet to come.
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