Xtra Time Web Desk: Injured Italian defender Leonardo Spinazzola accompanied his teammates to London for Sunday’s EURO 2020 final against England at the Wembley Stadium. Spinazzola was seen using crutches and had his left leg bandaged at the Lutton airport in London on Saturday afternoon. He will watch Sunday’s match from the stands at Wembley Stadium.
The 28-year-old Spinazzola was arguably Italy’s best player until he injured his Achilles tendon against Belgium in the quarterfinal. Spinazzola had surgery in Finland on Monday and is expected to be sidelined for about six months.
Meanwhile the special flight of the Azzurri landed at 13.19 at Luton airport in London. Quite a few fans gathered as they applauded the Italian players as they boarded the team coach. Giorgio Chiellini and his boys will train at The Lodge, the training ground of Tottenham Hotspur.
Last time Italy made it to the final of a major tournament was the FIFA World Cup in 1982. Sunday’s EURO 2020 final will be the same day and month. On July 11, 1982 Italy were crowned the world champions as they defeated West Germany 3-1 in the final at Santaigo Bernabeu. Thirty nine years later, can Roberto Mancini’s boys recreate history at the Wembley Stadium.