Euro 2020: Italy earn extra time win as Denmark’s fairytale continues

Italy scored twice in extra time to defeat Austria 2-1 in their Euro 2020 Round of 16 game at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

The Azzurri booked a quarter-final place thanks to Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina. The substitutes struck in the first half of extra time to unlock the stubborn Austria backline.

The win is a record-breaking 31 games unbeaten for Italy, surpassing the 82 years record of a 30-match winning streak.

Austria thought they had the breakthrough goal on 65 minutes when Marko Arnautovic nodded in at the back post but the striker was adjudged offside by VAR.

Italy, not having the best of games and well below their usual standards, almost conceded a penalty as Austria forced the game into extra time.

Roberto Mancini’s side then took the initiative against the tired Austrians as Chiesa, an 84th-minute substitute, controlled Leonardo Spinazzola’s cross and evaded a defender before smashing a shot into the net from close range.

Pessina doubled Italy’s lead on the stroke of halftime in extra time when he powered a low shot into the far corner for his second goal in as many games.

Austria sneaked a goal in the 114th minute through Sasa Kalajdzic. His low header from a corner kick sneaked in at the near post to set up tense final minutes.

Italy however saw out the remaining minutes to prevail over Austria, extending their unbeaten run against Austria to 14 consecutive matches.

Italy will face either Belgium or Portugal in next weekend’s quarter-final.

In another round of 16 encounter, Denmark recorded a resounding 4-0 win over 10-man Wales to book a quarter-final place and continue their fairytale run in the tournament.

Denmark became the first team to score four or more goals in consecutive matches in the history of the European Championship.

The Danes put on a dominant display to humble a Wales side led by Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, scoring once in the first half before adding three more in the second period.

Kasper Dolberg scored a brace while Joakim Maehle and Martin Braithwaite scored one apiece to compound Wales’ misery.

Denmark, Euro 1992 winners, will face either the Netherlands or the Czech Republic in the quarter-final.