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Italy labored into the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 after seeing off Austria 2-1 in extra-time in a tense encounter.
Substitute duo Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina were on target for the Azzurri in the first period of extra-time. Sasa Kalajdzic pulled a late consolation goal back for the outgoing side.
Roberto Mancini's side were the clear favorites, but found the going very difficult with Austria maintaining a watertight backline. Ciro Immobile hit the post and Daniel Bachmann denied Nicolo Barella with a superb last-ditch block.
Despite the obvious gulf in quality, the match was balanced in nature during normal time. But Italy found the breakthrough just five minutes into extra-time when Chiesa superbly controlled a cross from Leonardo Spinazzola before lashing home from a tight angle.
Just 10 minutes later, Pessina, another substitute, doubled their cushion and the Azzurri were all but confirmed for the quarter-finals, though Sasa Kalajdzkic's 114th minute goal threatened late drama.
Italy eventually held out their lead and now face either Belgium or Portugal in Munich next Friday. Here are the major talking points from Wembley.
#1 Italy's substitutes make the difference
Despite fielding a formidable line-up, Italy struggled to break down a resolute Austrian defense, although some blame must go towards their own wastefulness as a few good chances resultantly went begging. The Azzurri needed fresh legs off the bench that could shake things up, so Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina provided exactly that.
After coming relatively close in normal time, both struck apiece in extra-time, with Chiesa breaking the deadlock with a well-taken strike before Pessina doubled their advantage (and sealed the match) just minutes later. Both goals were the work of some quick passing that had Austria on the ropes as Roberto Mancini's substitutions did the job again.
#2 Austria's celebrations cut short by VAR
Austria thought they'd found an improbable lead against Italy in the 65th minute. Marko Arnautovic nodded a cross from Alaba home, sparking immediate hopes of the tournament's first real upset. And rightfully so, Burschen kept the Azzurri at bay until then with some sublime work in defense and created good chances too.
However, their celebrations were cut short when the goal was ruled out for offside. Replays showed that Arnautovic was a fraction ahead of the last Italian defender when the ball was being played in. Much to Austria's dismay, the scoreline went back to 0-0, pouring cold water over their ambitions of producing a shock victory.
#3 Federico Chiesa liberates himself
Federico Chiesa was conspicuous by his absence from Italy's opening game before making a passable cameo appearance against Switzerland. It called into question his role in the side, but with a crucial goal in the extra-time, well and truly announced his arrival on the European stage.
The Juventus winger injected some much-needed vim and vigor into the side after coming on and scored a beautiful goal. Chiesa headed down Spinazzola's cross, evading an on-rushing Laimer before striking a first-time volley from a tight angle into the back of the net.
Italy were in front and only built on that lead going forward. Chiesa had arrived.
#4 Austria can be proud of their performance
Nobody gave Austria a chance in the match. They were playing in the knockout stages of the European championship for the first time in their not-so-illustrious history. Yet the side managed to hold their mighty neighbors for 114 minutes before even pulling a goal back which ended Italy's long defensive streak.
Austria held a strong defensive shape which didn't allow the Azzurri to make their dominance of the ball count while often springing into excellent counters which left Mancini's side on tenterhooks. The ploy almost yielded dividends too, only for Arnautovic's goal to be ruled out by the smallest of margins.
Italy's quality eventually showed through but Das Team only bowed out after pulling a goal back, becoming the first side in 11 games to score against them.
#5 Italy finally concede but remain a defensive force
After four games into their European championship, Italy have finally conceded a goal. They managed to keep the opposition at bay for nearly 385 minutes of action in total (a truly commendable statistic) before being beaten on a set-piece deep into stoppage-time. It tells you how the Azzurri have built their impressive campaign on a stoic defense, which might as well lay the groundwork for their title success.
Austria were hardly the menacing outfit that anyone would fear. Meanwhile France, Belgium and Portugal will provide a tougher examination of their defensive stealth. But Italy have truly been a reckoning force at the back through a well-drilled backline and will take some stopping in the competition.
