Mancini says Spinazzola’s injury gave Italy ‘something more to make us want to win’ the ultimate prize at Wembley.
The AS Roma fullback was one of Italy’s best players in the competition until he got injured in Azzurri’s quarter-final game against Belgium.
It was immediately apparent that this was a very serious injury when he suddenly stopped in his tracks and collapsed in tears.
He was diagnosed with a torn Achilles tendon and had surgery within 48 hours after the game, ruling him out for six to nine months.
Italy put up two outstanding performances in the semi-final and final to beat Spain and England respectively to hoist the most coveted trophy in London.
The former Inter Milan and Manchester City manager revealed what he told his men before the game against Three Lions as he drew inspiration from their full-back’s injury.
“Spina was the best full-back in the Euros, he was a fundamental player for his strength, his pace, his technique, and he didn’t deserve this serious injury during such an important game,” Mancini told the documentary crew.
“It was a difficult moment for all of us and we had something more to make us want to win this Euros, and we did it for him, as he could not do anything more for the team.”
