"Invented penalty": Italian press rages after last-minute exit against England
At the last minute, England made it to the final against Italy in extra time. But one thing caused a stir: the controversial penalty that tipped the scales. The Italian press was furious. An overview.
- In the video above: England strikes late in extra time and moves into the European Championship final
Deep into injury time of the semi-final at the Women's European Championship in Geneva, everything pointed to Italy's first participation in the final of a major tournament since 1997. Then the first shock: Michelle Agyemang (90'+6') scores for England to make it 1-1 - extra time.
That same penalty in extra time caused a lot of anger in the aftermath. "The players deserved a different ending. This is a bitter defeat. This is something that hurts. But we have to be proud of what we achieved," said Italy coach Andrea Soncin. He briefly replayed the scene that led to the penalty after the match: "They were holding each other. Was it a strict interpretation? I certainly wonder if they would have given it at the other end."
Sofia Cantore, who had provided a strong assist for Barbara Bonansea's 1-0 goal in the 33rd minute, also questioned referee Ivana Martincic's call. "When you get a penalty like that in the last minute, it obviously hurts even more," said the 25-year-old attacker.
The controversial penalty also caused a stir in the Italian press—and a lot of anger. An overview.
Gazzetta dello Sport (Italy): "Italy, a cruel mockery: almost a feat, then a dubious penalty that dooms us. (...) Italy stays in the game – until the referee awards England a penalty after a foul by Severini. A penalty that isn't one – that rubs further salt in the wound. Especially since Kelly steps up, Giuliani saves, but the Englishwoman is quickest on the rebound."
Tuttosport (Italy): "Bad luck and a made-up penalty eliminate Italy: England are in the European Championship final. Bonansea gave the Azzurri dreams, then Girelli's goal and the English equalizer after seven minutes of stoppage time. In extra time, a nonexistent penalty comes, which Giuliani saves, but even that isn't enough."
Corriere dello Sport (Italy): "A bitter semifinal at the Women's European Championship in Geneva: Italy was eliminated by defending champions England after extra time. Bonansea's goal in the 33rd minute was defended until the 96th minute, when Agyemang equalized. In the 119th minute, Giuliani saved a controversial penalty (a foul by Severini on Maed) from Kelly, but Kelly herself put the ball into the net."
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