Spinazzola’s Euro 2020 run was cut short in Munich on Friday
Of the many things that have been good about Roberto Mancini’s resurgent Italy at Euro 2020, Leonardo Spinazzola’s performances have undoubtedly caught the eye.
The Roma full-back has turned in several lung-busting displays as the Azzurri have powered through the semi-finals, and has been tipped by many to be named in the team of the tournament.
Spinazzola will not, however, make any more appearances at Euro 2020. Stretchered off in the 2-1 win over Belgium in the quarter-finals, it’s now been reported the defender has ruptured his achilles tendon and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Italy’s players serenaded the 28-year-old as their plane prepared to leave Munich on Friday night…
Got so much time for the Italy squad singing Spinazzola’s name on the plane after their win over Belgium #Ita
The left-back is expected to be out for ‘many months’ with an achilles injury 💔pic.twitter.com/q9cZnFiok0
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) July 3, 2021
…And new footage posted by the Italian camp’s official social media channel has revealed he was given a rousing send off as he left his teammates to begin his rehabilitation.
With the team gathered in their hotel dining facilities, the footage shows him being applauded by the entire team as various players and coaching staff take it in turns to embrace him. There’s even another rendition of “Ole, Spina”, as heard on the plane.
After a hug and a few words with Mancini, Spinazzola departs on crutches, his left leg in a protective case.
Gli #Azzurri abbracciano #Spinazzola
Torna presto Leo! 💪🏻#Coverciano#Nazionale 🇮🇹 #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/MVPbtembju— Nazionale Italiana ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri) July 3, 2021
Italy’s 2-1 victory over Belgium in Bavaria means they will now face Spain for a place in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley on Tuesday night.
Roberto Mancini has taken a team decried the worst in Italian history and turned them into serious contenders for Euro 2020 glory 🇮🇹https://t.co/PBRK2y4sf3
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) June 16, 2021
