Italy defeats Austria in extra time

After 120 minutes, a place in the quarter-finals was certain. Until then it had been a tough battle that the Squadra Azzurra had fought with its neighbors from Austria. It was only in extra time that Chiesa and Pessina scored goals to advance, Sasa Kalajdzic shortened the score for Austria shortly before the end (2:1).

While Italy won Group A comfortably as first in the table (three wins, 7-0 goals), the Austrians only qualified on the last matchday with a 1-0 win against Ukraine. The historic round of XNUMX appearance of his protégés probably also prompted ÖFB coach Franco Foda to leave his formation unchanged.

In complete contrast to his coaching colleague Roberto Mancini. Compared to the game against Wales (3-0), Mancini changed again, which is why seven new players were in the starting line-up. Italy suffered a painful loss beforehand: captain Giorgio Chiellini was missing due to injury. The 36-year-old central defender suffered a thigh injury against Wales. Chiellini is already back in training.

Not only the current form, but also the history clearly spoke in favor of the Italian national team. The last time there was a defeat against the Austrians was in 1962. Since then, they have won ten times and drawn three times in thirteen games. Superior Azzurri do not reward themselves The opening minutes were characterized by the Italian attempt to take control of the game and push the opponent deep into their own half. The Azzurri repeatedly switched quickly after winning the ball and mainly attacked from the wings. Italy had their first big chance in the 17th minute. A low cross somehow slips through to Barella, who shoots dry. ÖFB keeper Bachmann is able to block the shot on goal with his foot. As a result, Austria was able to really free itself from the Italian clutches for the first time, but Arnautovic was too optimistic from 20 meters and ultimately missed significantly. Ciro Immobile caused the biggest upset of the first half. © APA/afp / LAURENCE GRIFFITHS

Italy had now moved up and was looking for a gap against the Austrian defense, which was now well organized. This deadlocked situation led Ciro Immobile to take a long-range shot in the 32nd minute, but after a long flying phase it hit the crossbar. Biggest chance in the first half! Nothing changed in the game until the break. The Italians clearly led in all statistics - only the goal was missing. With the score 0-0 we finally went into the break.

After the break, the Azzurri tried to continue to exploit their superiority. Nevertheless, Austria managed the first sensational action of the second half. After a foul by Di Lorenzo on Baumgartner, the ÖFB team got to a promising free kick position. David Alaba took advantage of this opportunity and put the free kick just over the crossbar. Austria shocks with an offside goal - game with an open goal Until the 60th minute, both teams were on equal terms and no one was able to create any clear chances. However, through Marcel Sabitzer and Marko Arnautovic, the Austrian selection made two dangerous approaches to the Italian goal in a very short time, but the chances were unsuccessful.

Suddenly the supposed outsider puts on a more self-confident appearance and appears more offensive. In the 65th minute, Alaba heads a cross, Arnautovic lurks behind and heads the ball into the net off the underside of the crossbar - 1-0! But the supposed lead was called back by the video assistant and the goalscorer was offside. The scene in front of the supposed Austrian leadership. © APA/afp / LAURENCE GRIFFITHS

The moment of shock was clearly noticeable in the Squadra Azzurra, as the Austrians repeatedly appeared dangerously in front of the Italians' goal. An open exchange of blows developed, the defensive organization was exchanged for ambush-like counterattacks. The audience at Wembley in London was treated to an open-minded game by both teams. However, the Italian pressure that emerged in the final minutes caused little danger, which is why the game ultimately went into extra time. One moment is enough for Chiesa – Kalajdzic makes it exciting In the fifth minute of extra time, it was Juve winger Federico Chiesa who was able to receive a cross from Spinazzola in the Austrian penalty area. As a result, he lets ÖFB defender Lainer get out and volleys from a tight angle (95th) – 1-0 for Italy!

Shortly before the end of the first half of extra time there was a preliminary decision. After Insigne missed a promising free kick, Pessina did better. Acerbi claims a cross in the Austrian center and passes the ball while lying down to Pessina, who is able to slot in from close range to make it 2-0 (105').

Six minutes before the end, an Austrian corner sails into the Azzurri penalty area. Substitute Sasa Kalajdzic goes for a diving header and hits the ball at knee height. The ball lands in the near corner, Donnarumma has no chance (114th) – 2-1! In the end, the Austrians' last gasp was not enough. After 120 intense minutes, Italy is in the quarter-finals of the European Championship. The Azzurri's opponent on Sunday will be between Belgium and Portugal.

Italy – Austria 2:1

1:0 Chiesa (95th), 2:0 Pessina (105th), 2:1 Kalajdzic (114th)

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Italy defeats Austria in extra time

There was a real thriller in the second round of 2 of the European Championship. It was only in extra time that the decision was made in favor of the Italians (1:XNUMX).

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