Xtra Time Web Desk: Strikes from substitutes Federico Chiesa (95’) and Pessina (105’) saw Italy beat Austria 2-1 in extra time of EURO 2020 pre-quarter finals at Wembley stadium on Saturday night. Roberto Mancini’s boys became the second team after Denmark to make it to the last 8. Sasa Kalajdzic pulled one back for Austria in the 114th minute of the match. The Azzurri’s will now face the winners of Belgium and Portugal.
The performance from the Italians was far from what had been expected of a side which is regarded as one of the tournament favorites. On the other hand Austria fought tooth and nail to restrict Italy from scoring. The first half was Italy’s, but they failed to make their dominance count as Austria stood impressively firm at the back. Italy did come close to scoring as Ciro Immobile’s dipping shot hit the woodword after keeping the Austrian goalkeeper stranded.
Austria, playing in their very first knockout round match in Euros saw Marko Arnautovic’s headed goal dramatically ruled out for offside by VAR in the second half.
Mancini made double substitutions in an attempt to inject some life into Italy’s performance, as substitute Federico Chiesa finally gave them the lead. Spinazzola found him inside the box and after taking two nice touches to set himself, he fired across goal with his left foot to score in the 95th minute.
Matteo Pessina extended the lead ten minutes later. Lorenzo Pellegrini’s replacement found himself teed up nicely by Insigne to finish similarly to Chiesa, only from the other side.
Austria pulled one back but it was too late. Sasa Kalajdzic somehow slipped past the defenders to score from a header.