MX23RW : Saturday, January 18 02:07:32| >> :600:2625803:2625803:

Federico Chiesa: 'We are only focusing on ourselves'

Federico Chiesa: 'We are only focusing on ourselves'
© Reuters
The Azzurri beat Spain on penalties on Tuesday night.

Italy striker Federico Chiesa says his side do not need to worry about who will be waiting for them in the Euro 2020 final.

Chiesa scored his second goal of the tournament when he gave his country the lead in their semi-final with Spain, which they won 4-2 on penalties at Wembley on Tuesday after Alvaro Morata levelled in the second half.

The Azzurri have been one of the standout sides in the tournament ever since their opening win against Turkey and they found a different way to win against Spain, having been outplayed for most of the 120 minutes.

England or Denmark await Roberto Mancini's men back at Wembley on Sunday, but Chiesa says Italy will focus on their own preparations.

"We need to simply think about ourselves just as we have done so far this tournament, that is what has got us this far," he said.

"We need to think about what we need to do there out on the pitch and only after Wednesday will we think about what is next.

"Denmark really play with a lot of intensity and throughout this tournament they have really proved what a top side they are and they have some quality players.

"England have really shown that their individual players can be matchwinners, they have got some top players in the final third and all across the pitch. We will enjoy the second semi-final and see who we are up against."

Jorginho celebrates his winning penalty
Jorginho scored Italy's winning penalty (Nick Potts/PA)

Chiesa doubled his tournament tally when he curled into the far corner after a quick break as Spain were pressing for an opener on the hour mark.

When he grabbed his first goal against Austria in the last 16 – also at Wembley – he followed in his father Enrico's footsteps by scoring at the European Championship after Chiesa Snr netted at Euro 96.

And the Juventus striker says the semi-final win was the best night of his career.

"Without a doubt. Playing for my country in matches like these representing 60 million Italians out there is an unbelievable dream and I never would have imagined it," he added.

"I am very proud to have scored a goal again like my dad did."

ID:454301: cacheID:454301:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5515:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Italy celebrate beating Spain on penalties at Euro 2020 on July 6, 2021
Read Next:
Euro 2020 day 26: Italy spot on during Spain semi-final
>
Read more about Federico Chiesa Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool20145148202847
2Arsenal21127241192243
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest21125430201041
4Newcastle UnitedNewcastle21115537221538
5Chelsea21107441261537
6Manchester CityMan City2110563829935
7Aston Villa2110563132-135
8Bournemouth219753225734
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2171043229331
10Fulham217953230230
11Brentford218494037328
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd217592629-326
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham217592741-1426
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs21731143321124
15Crystal Palace215972328-524
16Everton203891526-1117
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2144133148-1716
18Ipswich TownIpswich2137112037-1716
19Leicester CityLeicester2135132346-2314
20Southampton2113171347-346


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!