Rome the scene of many Gladiatorial combats saw again tonight Maximus against Taff. Euro 2020 delivered as Italy took on Wales in the Coliseum of the Olympic Stadium. From the singing of the national anthems one could see the grit and spirit of the players. Ready for fight not flight at last we saw gumption at last we saw winners wanting to win.
The exotic sounding Italian players names heard one wondered if ice cream or pizza was about to appear. Alas Pessina opened the scoring at the 39th minute and the men from the Valleys were trailing. True Gladiators never surrender and the Warriors of Wales were still in the arena.
Second half soon started and Italy threatened hitting the post from a spot kick. Wales soon suffered loss as Ampadu suffered harsh consequence seen by the referee as trying to Amputate the Italian legs. Red card, sent off , Red shirts down to 10 men. Coach Page soon turned over a new leaf and brought on Moore as substitute. Chiesa like a knife through butter or axe through pasta time after time opened up the Welsh and only their Goalkeeper could Ward off the challenge.
With 20 minutes to go one goal and one man down the men from Wales were deep in the Valley but the fat lady had yet to sing. Italy brought on fresh legs and Wales countered. Bale star of Wales missed an open goal on his best left foot and hearts sank. 10 minutes to go three red clad gladiators are brought into the fray, a final throw of the dice and brave strategy from Coach Page. Ward again saves as Bellotti thunders a boomer from 20 yards followed by Italy substituting their Goalkeeper for no reason other than sharing with squad the spoils of impending victory.
Unlike Friday at Wembley we saw the men of Wales fight and though defeated only defeated by the elegance of the Italians who surely must be favourites to conquer the Soccer of Europe. Every cloud has a silver lining and Wales qualify for the next stage due to goal difference against the gnomes of Zurich who beat the Turks convincingly over the Alps. Both Gladiators move on to fight another day.
qbitblogger 