Giorgio Chiellini was delighted to gain a measure of revenge after he opened the scoring in Italy s 2-0 Euro 2016 win over holders Spain.
The Juventus man turned in a typically robust defensive display and scrambled home a deserved opener for Italy in the 33rd minute of a superb first-half performance.
Spain came on strong as the clock ticked down, with Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli, man-of-the-match Leonardo Bonucci and their club goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon manning the fort before Graziano Pelle struck in stoppage time to spark delirious celebrations.
Italy were knocked out of Euro 2008 on penalties by Spain and were thrashed 4-0 in the final four years later.
A shoot-out loss at the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil then followed, leaving the 31-year-old…
Carlisle boss Paul Simpson insists he never thought his side would be in the fight for promotion as they prepare for their Sky Bet League Two play-off final with Stockport on Sunday.
The Blues qualified for the play-offs after finishing the regular campaign in fifth position and came from behind in the tie against Bradford to book their place at Wembley, with a 3-2 aggregate win.
Simpson took over at Brunton Park in February 2022 with the club battling against relegation to the National League and has gone on to lead them to within one game of promotion.
The 56-year-old is aiming for his third promotion with the Cumbrian club, having been player-manager from 2003 to 2006, but admitted a lot of work needed to be done when he walked through the door.
Simpso…