 |
| IMAGE: AFP |
Injured Italy defender Leonardo Spinazzola refused to let his Achilles tendon rupture get in the way of celebrations after Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph over England on Sunday.
Spinazzola, one of the stars of the tournament, was taken off during his side’s quarter-final win against Belgium.
🇮🇹 An amazing gesture from the Italian players and staff to send injured Leonardo Spinazzola to be the first who gets his winners’ medal. Class. 👏🔝🏆 pic.twitter.com/wIuid0psNP
— OGCOM (@OGambling) July 11, 2021
 |
| Image Getty |
His worst fears were later confirmed having had scans on the injury at the Sant’Andrea Hospital in Rome, where it was revealed he had suffered a ‘ubcutaneous rupture of the left Achilles tendon’.
However, the devastation was put to one side as he cheered on his teammates during their semi-final win over Spain earlier this week.
And then, on Sunday night, Spinazzola travelled to Wembley and watched as they beat England on penalties to win the trophy.
He emerged on the pitch in the aftermath and was sent up as the first player to collect his medal.
🇮🇹🔝🏆The Italian players carrying injured Spinazzola so he could ‘jump’ with the rest of the lads. Impressive. Really impressive. 👏 pic.twitter.com/7mlJefAlXt
— OGCOM (@OGambling) July 11, 2021
 |
| IMAGE: Getty |
He was even carried by teammates and staff member.
The 28-year-old was forced to hop though, as he shook hands with officials and took the medal.
He was then included in the rest of the celebrations, including the trophy lift.
Spinazzola waved his crutches in delight at times and was also carried by teammates so he could get involved in the collective jumping.