Euro 2020 - 'We demonstrated that we were superior' - Sergio Busquets gutted with semi-final defeat to Italy

ByCoral Barry

Published 07/07/2021 at 08:55 GMT

Sergio Busquets insists the best side lost after Spain were beaten by Italy in the semi-finals of Euro 2020. A thrilling game needed penalties to seperate the sides and Italy were the team to hold their nerve in the shoot-out. "Everyone made Italy big favourites here, but we demonstrated that we were superior to them,” Busquets said after the game, as he praised his team-mates.

'Not a sad night for me' - Enrique on Spain loss to Italy in Euro 2020 semis

Sergio Busquets has insisted Spain were ‘superior’ to Italy after being knocked out of Euro 2020.

Italy dumped Spain out after a thrilling game couldn’t separate the sides and a penalty shoot-out was needed.

After the first two penalties were scuffed, Alvaro Morata’s miss handed Jorginho the chance to win it for Italy.

MLS

Messi to captain Inter Miami, Suarez linked with move to club

25/07/2023 at 08:22

Busquets, who took over the captain’s armband at Euro 2020, believes his side dominated Italy for much of the game.

"Everyone made Italy big favourites here, but we demonstrated that we were superior to them,” he said.

We imposed the things we wanted to here: owning the ball, winning it back as quickly as possible when we lost it.

“In general across this match, I think we were the dominant side. But football's like this, and all we can do is congratulate Italy.

"There's a year-and-a-half until the next World Cup but we are on the right road, for sure.

“This is a great national team and the only thing missing was getting to the final, as we were determined to."

While there was heartbreak for Spain, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Jorginho were the heroes for Italy.

Donnarumma produced the goods in the shoot-out while Jorginho finished coolly to send Italy to the final at Wembley.

Italy's midfielder Jorginho (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring in a penalty shootout and winning the UEFA EURO 2020 semi-final football match between Italy and Spain

Image credit: Getty Images

England or Denmark will take on Italy for the trophy but Donnarumma insisted it wasn’t time to start making predictions about the final.

"I was calm before penalties because I knew I could help the team,” he said.

Italy: From farce to finalists - the Warm-up

“I'd like to thank everyone, as now we are only one step away from realising our dream. Spain are very strong, but this Italy side has a lot of courage, we never give up.