Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani can look forward to a dinner with his new signing Junior Firpo, safe in the knowledge the club's new left-back will be picking up the bill.
Ahead of the first Euro 2020 semi-final clash at Wembley last night, the Italian businessman bet the new Whites signing that his country would get the better of Spain, with the loser having to pay for the dinner.
Italy progressed to the final and a possible game against England after Chelsea’s Jorginho scored the decisive spot kick to send Roberto Mancini’s side to the final on Sunday.
“I can’t wait to be in Manchester, but let’s enjoy tonight and I bet with Junior who lose tonight pay dinner,” Radrizzani revealed in a Q&A with Leeds fans last night.
Alvaro Morata came off the bench to draw Spain level after Federico Chiesa had put Italy ahead, and the clash had to be settled through spot-kicks at the end of 120 minutes.
The Azzurri ran out 4-2 winners in the end, and Leeds chairman Radrizzani will surely be a happy man with his country 90 minutes away from European glory.
Although Firpo’s time at Elland Road has started on a losing note, he would definitely have enjoyed wagering dinner with his new chairman. The new Leeds man could not do anything to influence the proceedings, but will be hoping to be part of Spain's World Cup squad next summer.
Firpo was a key member of the Spain under-21 side that won the European Under-21 Championship in 2019, and moving to Yorkshire could help get him into the star-studded senior squad, competing with the likes of Barcelona’s Jordi Alba and Valencia’s Jose Gaya for the left back position within Marcelo’s Bielsa first choice XI.
Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa has moulded Kalvin Phillips into an England international, with the midfielder looking to secure his place in the final when Gareth Southgate’s side take on Denmark at Wembley this evening the second semi-final.
