Euro 2020: The major stats from stellar Italy vs Spain semi-final

Italy’s stellar showing in Euro 2020 carried on in the semi-finals as they beat Spain 4-2 on penalties after it ended 1-1 in normal and extra time. Few can argue against the fact that Italy were the side who deserved to go through. In the course of the tournament, they have played some fine football. Thus, even though it was honours even on the night, them winning on penalties was only right. And what a wave it’s been for Italy. Lest we forget, this side could not even qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Now, they’re the first side to book a spot in the final of the tournament.

As for Spain, it’s tough luck in a big tournament once again. However, given their disastrous 2018 World Cup campaign, reaching the semis in this tournament can be considered progress.

But for now it is the Italians who will be celebrating a job well done in the semis. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy stats from the semi-final.

Euro 2020 semi-final – the stats

• Italy have now scored 12 goals so far in Euro 2020, their joint-highest in any international tournament. They could well break this record in the final.
• This is the tenth final that Italy have reached in a major tournament and the fourth Euro final. Their last Euro final was in 2012, when they were beaten by… Spain.
• Ten is a bit of a magic number after this match. See, this was the tenth time that Italy and Spain have faced off against each other in a major tournament.
• But wait, there’s more! This is the tenth time that both Italy and Spain have competed in a penalty shootout at a major tournament. They have taken part in more shootouts than any other nation in history.
• Spain notched up a few records too during their run in Euro 2020. They scored 13 goals in the tournament, their best return in a single edition of the tournament.
• Alvaro Morata, who missed a penalty in the shootout, has now scored 6 goals in the European Championships. This is one more than Fernando Torres, meaning Morata is now Spain’s top goal-scorer in Euro history.
• Pedri, who impressed all and sundry with his assured midfield performances, became the first player aged 18 or below to start 6 matches in a major tournament.

Spain will now take on the winner of the second semi-final between England and Denmark.