The goals of the former neroverde Pobega, Scamacca and Cutrone Lusitani in the semifinals were useless, bench for the Pordenone Vogliacco
Ljubljana
Out in the quarters, but to applause. Italy greets the Under 21 European Championship at the end of an incredible match, punished only in extra time (played with the man less) after having caught Portugal 3-3 at the end of regulation time.
The study phase lasts just 6 ‘, which is enough for Dany Mota to unblock it: on the developments of a corner, the Monza jewel surprises the defense and Carnesecchi in reverse.
The 3-5-2 drawn by coach Nicolato guarantees solidity in a median that sees the former Pordenone Pobega among its pillars (only the bench, however, for the current neroverde Vogliacco defender), but the vivacity of the Lusitanian forwards remains a thorn in the flank for the azzurrini, while in front the physicality of Scamacca is not accompanied by the expected flashes of Raspadori. Portugal has more, even from a technical point of view, but fails to materialize until the 31st minute, when still on the developments of a corner from the right it is the side of Braganca that triggers Mota who with a shot from the left slips under the crossbar. Italy feels the blow, but in the 45th minute he returns to the game thanks to Pobega, punctual in bagging on corner action.
No change in the interval, Portugal continues to be more lively even if in the 8th minute it is Italy that touches the equalizer: Sala on the left finds space and crosses in the center where Frattesi kicks in without fail, finding however the parade of Costa’s instinct. On the other hand, the Lusitanians do not forgive at 13 ‘: on a throw from midfield captain Queiros finds the air bank for the insertion of Goncalo Ramos who anticipates a not exemplary blue defense and punishes Carnesecchi. Italy, however, reacts immediately and two minutes later returns to the game: Frattesi from the right puts in the center for Scamacca who bags from two steps.
The whirlwind of changes sees Gonçalo Ramos and Pobega leave the field, but also Sottil and Cutrone enter who at 43 ‘pack the same: the first breaks through on the left and crosses for the center forward who with a touch from the winger signs the equalizer.
At the start of extra time Italy remains in ten due to Lovato’s dismissal, but holds up stoically until the 4 ‘of the second extra period when Jota signs the 4-3 with a flick into the area. At the end comes the definitive 5-3 of Conceicao.
Portugal will face Spain in the semifinals on Thursday (at 6 pm, in Maribor). –