Wilfried Gnonto left the pitch in tears as Italy suffered a heartbreaking exit from the European Below-21 Championship, shedding 3-2 after additional time to Germany regardless of a heroic show with 9 males.
The Leeds United ahead was despatched off for a second bookable offence within the eightieth minute with the rating at 1-1. Mattia Zanotti adopted him down the tunnel 10 minutes later, additionally dismissed for 2 yellows, leaving Italy with simply 9 gamers heading into stoppage time.
One way or the other, they nonetheless discovered a approach to equalise. Within the sixth minute of added time — with nearly the final kick of the sport — Giuseppe Ambrosino curled residence an outstanding free-kick to pressure additional time.
Italy then defended doggedly for an additional 27 minutes, however their resistance was lastly damaged simply wanting what would have been a penalty shootout, as Merlin Rohl drilled residence from the sting of the field to ship Germany into the semi-finals.
Burnley’s Luca Koleosho had earlier put Italy in entrance on 58 minutes with a wise end. Germany hit again 10 minutes later when Nick Woltemade, the match’s prime scorer, nodded in his fifth objective of the marketing campaign.
Gnonto had regarded vigorous and struck the submit with a curling effort earlier than choosing up two yellow playing cards within the house of 17 minutes.
Italy U21 star Wilfried Gnonto left the sphere in tears after being despatched off on Sunday night
No 10 Gnonto was consoled by his team-mates throughout Italy’s quarter-final defeat by Germany
Nelson Weiper then gave Germany the lead with a well-taken header within the 87th minute, and Zanotti’s crimson card moments later regarded to have sealed Italy’s destiny.
However Ambrosino had different concepts. His 96th-minute free-kick sparked wild celebrations and despatched the tie into additional time, the place Italy’s depleted facet battled bravely however ultimately ran out of steam.
Germany will now face France on Wednesday, with England up in opposition to the Netherlands within the different semi-final.
Italy coach Carmine Nunziata hailed his gamers’ spirit and efficiency after Sunday’s defeat.
‘That is the second to reward these guys,’ he stated. ‘They performed an incredible recreation. We have been two gamers down and solely conceded 4 minutes from the top. The entire stadium was with us — which means we did one thing vital.’
‘It hurts to lose like this. These guys deserved to undergo. They have been distinctive, united, and gave every part.’
Captain Lorenzo Pirola added: ‘We confirmed our high quality and performed a very huge recreation. We have been simply unfortunate. I am happy with everybody.’
In the meantime, Germany coach Antonio Di Salvo admitted his facet had been rattled by Italy’s late equaliser.
Italy fought again from 2-1 down with 9 males and nearly took the sport to a penalty shootout
However Germany scored late in additional time to prevail 3-2 and e-book their place within the semi-finals
‘My knees wobbled a bit,’ he stated. ‘Italy defended rather well. The objective we conceded at 2-1 should not occur, however we stayed calm. We’re completely happy to be within the semi-finals and now it is time to get better for France.’
Gnonto’s crimson card marked a irritating finish to an in any other case robust season.
Earlier than occurring worldwide obligation this summer time, the 21-year-old helped Leeds win promotion again to the Premier League, scoring 9 objectives and registering six assists in 43 Championship video games.
He’ll now return to the English prime flight, having beforehand made 24 Premier League appearances in 2022–23, scoring twice and aiding 4 instances.
