Spinazzola returns home and breaks silence after injury

Jason Soutar
Leandro Spinazzola
Leandro Spinazzola

Leonardo Spinazzola has said that he “will return soon” after suffering a serious injury in Italy’s 2-1 victory over Belgium last night.

It is feared that the 28-year-old suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the second half after chasing down a heavy first touch.

He was stretchered off in tears and looks set to miss several months of action.

Euro 2020: England to canter through for Denmark semi

The left-back has been one of the best players at the tournament so far, making a real name for himself in the world of football.

The Roma defender assisted one goal in four matches for Italy.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Spinazzola will leave Italy’s training centre in Coverciano to head back to Rome with Italian doctor Andrea Ferretti.

The 28-year-old took to Instagram to break his silence after the injury.

“We all know how it went but our blue dream continues and with this great group nothing is impossible. I can only tell you that I will return soon! I am sure!” he said.

The Italian squad seem to have great togetherness and attempted to cheer him up by singing a song for him on the plane back home.

Next up for Italy is Spain in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

Spain progressed after winning a below-par penalty shootout against Switzerland.

The fixture is a replay of the Euro 2012 final in which Spain ran out 4-0 winners.

Spanish boss Luis Enrique discussed the penalty shootout victory: “In terms of the penalties, I was calm as it wasn’t down to me.

“Once the players had decided who was going to take them we all had huge faith in Unai and the takers so all you could do was wait to see.

“I told them to enjoy the moment as much as they could. We didn’t get off to a good start (Sergio Busquets hit the post) but the players were able to turn it around.

“People say it is a lottery but it isn’t at all, everything comes into it: the ability to deal with pressure, the goalkeepers, but when it goes your way it feels very good indeed.”

Asked if he told Unai Simon he could become a hero with penalty saves, Enrique added: “Any coach thinks that when they speak to their goalkeeper.

“I’ve seen him save many penalties for Athletic. I tried to tell him to put pressure on the taker but I was completely relaxed and had faith whatever happened.”

News