Football European Championship: Italy shed tears after dramatic double-ko

Italy’s football icon Cristiana Girelli cried bitterly when she stepped in front of the cameras after the late double ko in the European Championship semi-final against England. A reporter was enough for her a handkerchief, it helped little. “Of course we wanted this final, because it would have really meant something incredible, something extraordinary,” said the 35 -year -old striker, who had been replaced prematurely because of a cramp. “Unfortunately it shouldn’t be. Football, football takes.”

Until deep into injury time, everything in Geneva indicated Italy’s first final participation in a big tournament since 1997. Then the first shock: Michelle Agyemang (90.+6) meets 1-1. In this, the mischief comes back late: Emma Severini moves to the ground in the penalty area, Chloe Kelly competes in the 119th minute to the penalty and hits the margin. 1: 2. The final whistle. She “really has an incredible bitterness in her mouth,” said Girelli.

Italy doubts penalty whistle

“We were a minute away from the final. The players deserved a different end. It is a bitter defeat. It is something that hurts. But we have to be proud of what we have achieved,” said Italy coach Andrea Soncin. He briefly looked at the scene that led to the penalty after the game: “They held each other. Was it a penalty? I don’t know.”

Sofia Cantore, who had strongly prepared the interim 1-0 by Barbara Bonansea (33.), also doubted the whistle of referee Ivana Martincic. “If you get such a penalty in the last minute, of course it hurts even more,” said the 25 -year -old offensive player.

She was satisfied with the total appearance of Le Azzurre: “I don’t want to say that we dominated the game, because that is probably not the case, but we kept her in chess,” said Cantore. Teammate Manuela Giugliano said more aggressively: “In my opinion, England did not deserve victory,” said the 27-year-old from AS Rome: “We gave everything and I don’t think we regret something.”