Blow for Roma as extent of Leonardo Spinazzola's injury confirmed

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An update on the wellbeing of Leonardo Spinazzola has been forthcoming on Saturday evening, with the news, unfortunately, of an altogether negative nature for club and country alike.

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Azzurri march on

‘Spina’ was of course back in action last night, as Italy went head to head with Belgium for a spot in the semi-finals of Euro 2020.

The Azzurri headed into proceedings as the standout team of the tournament thus far, having waltzed through their group, before getting the better of a plucky Austrian outfit in the Last-16.

Belgium, though, were always likely to prove the toughest test to date for Roberto Mancini’s men, with the Red Devils having too maintained a perfect Euros record, whilst sitting pretty atop world football’s rankings.

When all was said and done at the Allianz Arena, though, Italy again defied the odds, to eventually emerge on the right side of a 2-1 scoreline.

Nicolo Barella opened the game’s scoring just beyond the half-hour mark, before Lorenzo Insigne made it two in spectacular fashion with 44 minutes on the clock:

OH MY!

Lorenzo Insigne with a special goal.

Watch live: https://t.co/E7DKcQ7Jih #bbceuro2020 #euro2020 pic.twitter.com/gX9bajqekz

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 2, 2021

Belgium, to their credit, did manage to pull one back from the penalty spot on the stroke of the interval, but, upon the final whistle sounding in Munich, it proved little more than a consolation.

In turn, the Italians march on to the Euros’ final-4, where they are set to take on a resurgent Spain side.

Spina latest

On an otherwise wonderful evening for all associated with the country, however, Italy were also dealt a blow on Friday night.

This came on the personnel front, when, ten minutes from time, Leonardo Spinazzola – one of the star performers of the tournament to date – pulled up with a fitness problem.

After going to ground, it quickly became clear that the issue picked up by the full-back was a serious one, with Spinazzola having eventually been stretchered from the field of play, whilst in a flood of tears.

– It doesn’t look good for Spinazzola, in tears as well.. pic.twitter.com/3xDsO58GmU

— (@TheEuropeanLad) July 2, 2021

In the aftermath of the clash, word soon began to do the rounds that the AS Roma star had suffered an Achilles injury, albeit the extent of which was not immediately confirmed.

Such an update, however, has this evening been forthcoming.

And the news, unfortunately, has proven of a hugely discouraging nature. After medical tests were carried out by Italy’s medical staff, it was revealed a short time ago that Spinazzola has ruptured his Achilles tendon.

The 28-year-old therefore looks set for a spell of five to six months on the sidelines, a blow for not only his country, but also newly-named Roma boss Jose Mourinho.

Official. Italy medical staff just confirmed after today tests that Leonardo Spinazzola broke his Achilles tendon. He won’t be able to play for the next 5/6 months.

Spinazzola says: “I’m sure I’ll be back soon! Impossible is nothing with this team spirit”.

Stay strong pic.twitter.com/vBVpdxlyMv

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2021