Chelsea have provided a classy personal touch for reported transfer target Leonardo Spinazzola after he suffered a horror injury in a Euro 2020 quarter-final.
The Italian left-back, who has been one of the stars of the tournament, went down in agony chasing the ball in the 78th minute and was stretchered off in Munich.
Replaced by Chelsea’s Emerson, Spinazzola will miss the rest of the Azzurri’s campaign and reportedly the next six to seven months, meaning he may well not feature again in 2021.
That is according to Sky Sport Italia reporter Angelo Mangiante, who on Twitter revealed who had called or messaged the 28-year-old to offer him support.
New Roma manager Jose Mourinho – who is now in charge of Spinazzola at club level – reportedly got in touch with him, as well as Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia.
That is because the Blues were said to be looking at the versatile wide man prior to the devastating injury that denied him of a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
Spinazzola’s energy and ability to be effective in both directions down the flank make him ideal for Thomas Tuchel’s system.
Chelsea are looking to improve on their excellent second half of last season, which saw them reach the FA Cup final and win the Champions League, as well as finish fourth in the Premier League.
Having been all but beaten to the signing of Achraf Hakimi by Paris Saint-Germain, it is no surprise that Tuchel is looking for wing-back cover – but will now have to look elsewhere unless they want to wait on their Serie A target.
Spinazzola started four of Italy’s five matches which he was fit for, earning one assist and bags of praise from pundits and fans alike.
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Roberto Mancini’s side have been made to work during their knockout run; needing extra-time to beat Austria at the round-of-16 and edging out Belgium in a thrilling affair after winning all three Group A games.
Nicolo Barella broke the deadlock in the first half before Lorenzo Insigne doubled the Azzurri’s lead in spectacular fashion soon after.
However, Romelu Lukaku’s added-time penalty set up a tense second half.
Italy’s defensive instincts served them well in the following 45 minutes, with Spinazzola stunningly denying Lukaku a sure equaliser just ahead of his goal line on the hour mark.
Now Mancini and co will meet Spain on Tuesday evening at Wembley for a place in the European Championship final.
Luis Enrique’s men only beat Switzerland on penalties last time out, but have scored 11 goals in their last three games.
The winner will face either England or Denmark, who play on Wednesday, in Sunday’s showpiece, also at Wembley.
