This archive report was first published on 27 June 2021.
June 26, 2021, was a night to remember for Italy as they edged past Austria 2-1 in extra time to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 at Wembley.
Italy's impressive group phase form seemed to desert them as Austria, playing in the knockout phase for the first time, took the game to the Italians in the second half.
Despite being on the back foot, Italy's manager Roberto Mancini made some crucial substitutions, bringing on four attacking players, which ultimately proved decisive in the end.
Substitutes Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina scored in extra time to spare Italy's blushes, with Chiesa driving a shot past Austria's goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann in the 95th minute and Pessina scoring 10 minutes later.
However, Austria refused to give up and scored a late consolation goal through substitute Sasa Kalajdzic, leaving Italy's nerves frayed until the final whistle.
Italy's 31st match without defeat, a new national record, set them up for a quarter-final clash against either Belgium or Portugal, where they will need to play much better.
