Italy stars give Leonardo Spinazzola a heroes reception as the Roma defender heads off for surgery after suffering potential Achilles rupture in Euro 2020 win over Belgium
Italy players gave Leonardo Spinazzola a heroes reception on his return to their training base, after he sustained a serious injury during their 2-1 victory over Belgium.
The Roma wing-back has been one of the stars of the European Championships so far, playing a vital part in Roberto Mancini’s free-flowing Italian team.
However, he is set to face several months on the sidelines after suffering a potential ruptured Achilles tendon.
Leonardo Spinazzola could face months on the sidelines after his injury against Belgium
It has been reported that the 28-year-old ruptured his Achilles tendon in the game
The 28-year-old returned to Italy’s training base on Saturday and received a huge round of applause from his fellow team-mates.
Spinazzola greeted his team-mates just as they were having a meal, and several players got off their chairs to greet the wing-back.
Manager Roberto Mancini was the last to give Spinazzola a hug and he said something in his player’s ear.
A video was posted on social media on Friday night of the the team chanting Spinazzola’s name on the plane back from Munich where the game took place.
The players were seen banging on the overhead baggage carriers and on the ceiling of the plane chanting ‘Spina’.
Sky Sports Italia, as per Football Italia, have reported that the 28-year-old ruptured his Achilles tendon and faces ‘months’ on the sidelines in a blow for his country as well as potentially his club.
Spinazzola had not long before his injury helped keep Italy ahead, when he stopped Romelu Lukaku from making it 2-2.
However, he pulled up while running minutes later, immediately signalling to the bench that he needed to be substituted.
He collapsed to the ground and covered his face in tears, before he was stretchered off the field.
Italian players chanted Spinazzola’s name back on the plane from Munich after the game
He didn’t deserve that, he has been one of the best players of this tournament and he will still be even if he can’t play in the next games,’ Italy manager Roberto Mancini told a news conference.
‘We are very, very sad with what has happened it seems quite a serious one.’
Spinazzola was replaced by Emerson Palmieri, who is likely to take his spot for Tuesday’s semi-final against Spain at Wembley.
Italy striker Lorenzo Insigne said the players were saddened by the injury to their team mate and are now determined to try and win the tournament for him.
‘Its a great loss, we will try to go all the way above all for him. Up to today he has been such a key player, an influential player for us,’ he said.