Italy coach Roberto Mancini says the injury suffered by Leonardo Spinazzola helped inspire them to Euro 2020 glory.
The Roma fullback snapped his achilles in the quarterfinal win against Belgium.
“Spina was the best full-back in the Euros, he was a fundamental player for his strength, his pace, his technique, and he didn't deserve this serious injury during such an important game," Mancini said.
“It was a difficult moment for all of us and now we have something more to make us want to win this Euros, to do it for him, as right now he cannot do anything more for the team."
The footage of Spinazzola hugged and saluted by all his teammates was already shown by the Azzurri social media channels, but they cut out what the Roma left-back said as he hobbled away on his crutches.
“Let's go and lift the trophy with crutches. Juuuust perfect…"
