EURO 2020 Half time: Italy 0-0 Austria
Half time: Italy 0-0 Austria. The free kick’s floated towards Acerbi, near the right-hand post. He forces a corner, but there’s no time to take it. The players troop off, Austria surely a little bit happier than Italy. Italy ping it around, 30 yards from goal, for what seems like an age. There’s no way through, despite probes launched down both flanks. Eventually, Arnautovic gets fed up and bundles Spinazzola to the ground. Free kick, to the left of the D, 30 yards out.
Spinazzola dances in from the left and dribbles a shot towards the bottom left. Bachmann gets down late and is forced to push the weak effort around the post. Acerbi meets the resulting corner, but not with any conviction. Spinazzola makes his way into the Austrian box from the left, then falls over as he flings a wild boot at the ball. He claims a penalty, brazenly so, because there was no challenge made. The referee waves play on.
Austria are enjoying their best spell of the match, Arnautovic causing problems down the right. Alaba probing on the opposite flank. There’s no way through this seemingly impregnable Italian defence, though.
Upon claiming the cross, Donnarumma accidentally clattered into Baumgartner, who took one full in his startled coupon. The physio comes on and gives him a good going-over with the magic sponge. He’s good to continue.
Arnautovic busies himself down the right, then performs a cute dragback that sends Verrati and Acerbi off to the shops for the paper and a pint of milk. He lays off to Schlager, whose high cross is claimed by Donnarumma.
That was such a good effort from Immobile. A touch of the Le Tissiers about it, a heady mix of power, bend and precision. A few inches to the right and it was nestling in the corner.
Italy nearly take the lead with a gorgeous effort from Immobile. He turns, 30 yards out, and sends a floater towards the top-left corner. It curls to the left, a little bit too much, as it clips the outside of the post. Bachmann was utterly stranded, feet planted. So close to a stunning opener.
Second half awaits
