Italy 1-1 Spain (4-2 on penalties): 5 talking points as Azzurri edge La Roja on penalties on their way to the final | UEFA Euro 2020

#3 Jorginho embellishes his tag as a penalty specialist with another clutch goal

Italy can always rely on Jorginho from the spot

There are few players in football history whose penalty-taking ability is notably spectacular. From Matt Le Tissier to Mario Balotelli, they have all made the act of taking and converting a penalty look far easier than it is.

Jorginho has all but cemented his place on that elusive list by scoring from the spot for Italy in the Euro 2020 semi-final against Spain. The Chelsea midfielder slotted home with sublime grace in a moment where the pressure alone can cause most to horribly fluff their lines.

Italy into Euro 2020 final after Jorginho penalty settles shootout against Spain https://t.co/WToR2WpSw9

— The Guardian (@guardian) July 6, 2021

Not only did he apply the finishing touches with great precision, Jorginho had a fairly solid game all evening as well. He made two tackles and completed 79% of his passes against Spain in the heart of the Italian midfield.

---

#2 Spain's incompetence from the spot returns to haunt them

Morata hardly tested Donnarumma with his penalty

It is a well documented fact that Spain have struggled to score from the penalty spot for a long time now. Their recent record is quite concerning, and one could tell from the quality of the Spanish penalties against Italy that they weren't filled with a great deal of confidence.

However, they received a major boost in that department in the form of a penalty shootout win in their last match against Switzerland. The victory meant the Spaniards had reason to be confident.

Unfortunately, it wasn't to be, as the moment got the better of the Spain forwards. Alvaro Morata and Dani Olmo's penalties were taken really poorly and with no conviction whatsoever. Ironically, it was the same pair that created Spain's only goal in the game.

This proves that the issues are are more psychologically rooted. Something must be done at the earliest to rid Spain of this roadblock to great achievements.

---

#1 Roberto Mancini has rewritten his managerial legacy with this iconic finals run

Mancini's team are as closely-knit as they come

Roberto Mancini was regarded as one of the best managers in Europe a decade or so back. He had just won Manchester City their first ever Premier League title in unforgettable style, thanks to the "Agueroooooo" moment. However, since his exit from the English club, Mancini hasn't had the best of times in club football. He has struggled to live up to expectations at Galatasaray, Inter Milan and most recently, Zenit St. Petersburg.

33 games unbeaten!Mancini's side are just ONE away from glory 🏆🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/Y7nBYUEc6T

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 6, 2021

However, with this incredible run to the final with, Mancini has catapulted himself back among the elite managers in Europe. Italy are now unbeaten in a staggering 33 matches. Tonight's match against Spain also displayed another dimension to their game. Th was far from Italy's best performance, but Mancini still managed his team to victory in a tightly fought battle.

Most importantly, Italy have made themselves a difficult team to beat even when they aren't in fine form. This is a quality few teams possess and Mancini deserves credit for the same.

---