Euro 2020: Daily briefing

Follow live coverage as Italy face Spain in the first semi-final at Euro 2020, with the two nations meeting at Wembley.

The Azzurri have perhaps been the most impressive side at the tournament so far this summer, barely setting a foot wrong as they topped their group in style following the opening night win over Turkey. After Switzerland and Wales were also beaten, they knocked out Austria in the last 16 after extra time – arguably the only less-than-stellar showing of their games so far – and beat Belgium in impressive fashion in the quarters.

Spain have had a far more up-and-down ride to the last four, drawing their first two group games against Sweden and Poland before a five-goal thrashing of Slovakia sent them through in second place. Then followed one of the most memorable matches of this edition of the European Championship, as a crazy 90 minutes against Croatia ended 3-3, with Spain scoring twice more in extra time. A penalty shoot-out against Switzerland brought them through to the semis against Italy.

Leonardo Spinazzola will be a big miss for Roberto Mancini’s side after suffering injury last time out, but otherwise both nations are likely to have full squads to choose from, though there are questions over Pablo Sarabia’s fitness. Follow the Euro 2020 semi-final between Italy and Spain here:

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Euro 2020: Italy 0 – 0 Spain

Pedri completed all 31 of his passes against Italy with 22 in the opposite half. He was the only player with 100% passing accuracy in this first half.

(Getty Images)

Michael Jones6 July 2021 20:57

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Euro 2020: Italy 0 – 0 Spain

Goalless at half-time then. Spain had the best chance of the half when Dani Olmo forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a sharp save.

Emerson has been bright as a replacement for Leonardo Spinazzola and hit hit the crossbar at the end of the half for Italy.

Spain have won the midfield battle, Sergio Busquets has bossed the game so far.

(Getty Images)

Michael Jones6 July 2021 20:51

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Half-time: Italy 0 – 0 Spain

45 mins: There’s no added minutes at the end of the first half and the teams go into the break on level terms.

Michael Jones6 July 2021 20:46

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CHANCE! Emerson comes close!

42 mins: Chiellini sends a diagonal up to Insigne who carries the ball into the left side of the box. Azpilicueta doesn’t allow him to cut onto his right foot so he sends the ball wider to Emerson. He belts a left-footed shot at goal and hits the top of the crossbar!

Michael Jones6 July 2021 20:46

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Euro 2020: Italy 0 – 0 Spain

39 mins: Pedri and Alba link up again to feed the ball to Oyarzabal. He takes a first time shot from outside the box but leans back on the effort and sends it high and wide.

That’s Spain’s fifth attempt of the half. Italy haven’t had one yet.

Michael Jones6 July 2021 20:44

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Euro 2020: Italy 0 – 0 Spain

36 mins: That’s a perfect tackle. Emerson plays a one-two with Verratti and drives up the pitch. He’s got Immobile, Insigne and Chiesa all making runs in front of him but he holds onto the ball too long. Busquets drops off, drops off, drops off and then lunges at Emerson. He wins the ball and the attack ends. Great defending.

Michael Jones6 July 2021 20:38

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Euro 2020: Italy 0 – 0 Spain

33 mins: Dani Olmo has been energetic around Spain’s forward line. He receives the ball on the inside right and brings it towards goal. Oyarzabal makes a run into the box but Chiellini has him covered. Olmo goes it alone and hits a shot from range only to smoke it well over the crossbar.

Michael Jones6 July 2021 20:34

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Euro 2020: Italy 0 – 0 Spain

32 mins: Torres shove Di Lorenzo over in the middle of the pitch and allows Italy some time on the ball. Spain’s press is high, quick and strong with Aymeric Laporte sending the ball out for a throw in in Italy’s own half.

Michael Jones6 July 2021 20:32

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Euro 2020: Italy 0 – 0 Spain

29 mins: Italy can’t get on the ball. They’re resorting to long balls over the top. Giovanni Di Lorenzo sends a hopeful ball up for Immobile to chase but the ball skips away from the striker and Unai Simon collects.

Michael Jones6 July 2021 20:30

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SAVE! Donnarumma denies Olmo

26 mins: Donnarumma’s ball up the pitch comes straight to Busquets who sends it quickly to Pedri. He threads the ball into the box for Oyarzabal who manages to pick out the run of Olmo through the middle. He shoots but Donnarumma leaps to his right and parries the ball wide of goal!

Michael Jones6 July 2021 20:27

Source: The Independent

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