Leonardo Spinazzola injury inspired Italy players to win Euro 2020, said Italian coach Roberto Mancini. AS Roma defender Spinazzola pulled up an injury during the quarter-final match against Belgium. It was clear that he had suffered a serious injury when he abruptly stopped mid-sprint and collapsed in tears. He had surgery within 48 hours of the match after being diagnosed with a torn Achilles tendon, which would keep him out for six to nine months.
The Italian national football team made sure that they don’t let Spinazzola’s efforts go in vain. Italy won the European Championship or Euro 2020 trophy by defeating England in the penalty shootout.
Last evening, RAI 1’s behind-the-scenes documentary Sogno Azzurro aired footage of the team’s reaction to the injury suffered by Spinazzola. Talking on the injury Mancini told the documentary crew, “Spina was the best full-back in Euros, he was a fundamental player for his strength, his pace, his technique, and he didn’t deserve this serious injury during such an important game.”
“It was a difficult moment for all of us and now we have something more to make us want to win this Euros, to do it for him, as right now he cannot do anything more for the team.”
The Azzurri social media channels had already shown footage of Spinazzola being hugged and saluted by all of his teammates, but they had cut out what the Roma left-back said as he hobbled away on crutches. “Let’s go and lift the trophy with crutches. Juuuust perfect…”
Of course, that is exactly what happened a few weeks later at Wembley Stadium after Italy won over England on 3-2 penalties.