Spain similarly had to hold their nerve to reach the last four, finally finding a way past Switzerland in a penalty shoot-out after a draw. Spain went on to finish top of Group G; runners-up Italy were beaten on aggregate by Sweden in the play-offs, the first time they had failed to qualify for a World Cup since Chiellini was in the defeated Italy side. Alba scored the second goal at the NSC Olimpiyskiy in Kyiv with Busquets also in the Spain side; Bonucci and Chiellini both started for Italy, although the latter went off injured midway through the first half.
In competitive games, that defeat in Saint-Denis five years ago is Spain's sole reverse in the last six fixtures W2 D3 since a reverse to the Azzurri at the World Cup — a game current head coach Luis Enrique started for Spain.
Seven different players were on the scoresheet, a new national record. The Azzurri's sole defeat at Wembley was a loss in qualifying for the World Cup. At EURO '96 they played their first two group games at Anfield in Liverpool, where they beat Russia before losing to the Czech Republic by the same score, then bowing out after a goalless draw against eventual champions Germany at Manchester's Old Trafford.
Champions in , they were also victorious in and to become the first side to retain the Henri Delaunay trophy. They found their scoring touch in the third game, however, overwhelming Slovakia — the first time Spain had scored five goals in a EURO finals game and the joint biggest margin of victory overall at a UEFA European Championship.
Chiellini is currently sidelined by an ACL injury, but if he gets healthy by June, he will be a big boost to an already stout defense. An influx of young talent has replaced the old and slow midfielders from two years ago, and the difference shows. His quickness, tenacity, vision, playmaking, and dribbling allows him to unlock defenses and spring attacks while stopping opposing rushers.
He will be joined by Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, another skilled passer, and playmaker. On attack, Italy has plenty of strong options, but inconsistencies have hurt them in the past. Lorenzo Insigne is the clear cut leader of the forwards and the only one who will definitely be starting next summer. The Napoli left winger is one of the best players in Serie A and can score and assist with ease.
On the right-wing, there is much more ambiguity. Fiorentina forward Federico Chiesa is probably the best option. Despite his skill and dribbling prowess, he has occasionally had trouble finishing off his chances. Federico Bernardeschi of Juventus is another option.
Both have also performed well recently with the national team during Euro qualification. Balotelli is back in Italy playing for Brescia, and he can carve out a role on the national team if he has a decent year. The scores stayed level until the break — although Mauro was caried off moments beforehand. With over an hour played Germany could not find a second goal but the match turned in the 66th minute. Anja Mittag was brought down by Giuliani in the penalty area and Babett Peter sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot.
Italy lost their discipline and Elisa Bartoli was sent off after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Italy pressed for an equaliser and Anna Schult produced an excellent save to deny Bonansea in the closing moments.
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