‘I will be cheering them on with my crutches!’: Leonardo Spinazzola is set to watch Italy’s Euro 2020 final against England in the stands at Wembley after rupturing his achilles as the left back insists any jeers ‘will just fire us up’
Injured Leonardo Spinazzola confirms he will be at Wembley to support his Italy teammates as they face England in the Euro 2020 final.
Spinazzola had been exceptional for the Azzurri before rupturing his achilles in their quarter-final win over Belgium.
The 28-year-old had provided his side win one assist in four matches and won two Man of the Match awards in the Euros before being withdrawn.
Injury Leonardo Spinazzola will be at Wembley to support his Italy teammates on Sunday
Spinazzola will be a big loss for Italy – after it was revealed he was the joint-fastest player at this year’s tournament, clocking up a remarkable top speed of 21mph.
He shares the crown with Hungary defender Loic Nego, however, who also recorded the same number to shoot up the rankings despite his team’s early elimination from the Group of Death last month.
Nevertheless, the attacking wing back will be at Wembley to cheer his teammates on at Wembley. He told RAI 1: ‘I will be in London tomorrow with my teammates.
The 28-year-old ruptured his Achilles in their quarter-final win over Belgium (above)
As a result, he was forced to withdraw from the tournament – a real blow to Italy
‘It’s immensely exciting, the lads have given me an incredible evening. We are a great team and we really feel like a family.’
When asked to share his opinion on the game ahead, he said: ‘It’s going to be a very difficult match, especially in their stadium, but hearing all those jeers will just fire us up even more.
‘I will be in the stands, cheering them on with my crutches! If Italy were to win, I’d have to jump up and celebrate with everyone. My wife keeps telling me to be careful, so I hope to jump around on one leg.
‘I’ll tell the lads that I am on the pitch with them.’
He provided his side win one assist in four matches and won two Man of the Match awards
Spinazzola’s teammates made a real effort to keep him involved following their semi-final win
Spinazzola’s teammates made a real effort to keep the 28-year-old involved following their semi-final win.
They were seen singing the fan chant for ‘Spina’ and wearing his jersey after overcoming Spain to reach the final.
Spinazzola said: ‘I was there for two hours on a videocall thanking them with all my heart, as it was really incredible.
‘I waited for them to get back on the team bus and they sand that chant for me again. I knew that they’d be in a marvellous Final on Sunday and I can’t wait.’
They were seen singing the fan chant for ‘Spina’ and wearing his jersey (above)
Spinazzola was also seen singing along to the national anthem from home (above)
He believes the game on Sunday will be a 50/50 battle but admits to feeling threatened by England’s bench.
He said: ‘I think it’s 50-50. England have extraordinary individuals like Rashford, Sancho and Foden on the bench, who are young, but phenomenal. That shows you how strong the team is.
‘This will be a tough game, but we are a great side and we can do it.’