Chelsea fans spotted an innovative bit of skill from Jorginho in Italy’s 2-1 win over Belgium in the quarter-final of Euro 2020.
The Italians took the lead through Nicolo Barella in the 31st minute after evading two Belgium defenders and sending the ball in off the far post. Lorenzo Insigne got the second in the 44th when he curled a superb strike inside the far top corner.
Former Blues striker Romelu Lukaku pulled one back from the penalty spot minutes later, but the Italians held on in the second half to book their place in a semi-final showdown with Spain in St. Petersburg.
The clash produced plenty of memorable talking points, and one that hasn’t gone unnoticed was Jorginho’s inventive piece of skill.
After Marco Veratti’s quickly taken short corner, Insigne found Jorginho just outside of the penalty area. The midfielder was immediately closed down by Borussia Dortmund winger, Thorgan Hazard, and cleverly dragged the ball back to create space, leaving Hazard in his wake.
We’ve become accustomed to seeing the ‘drag back’ in the game, but we’re rarely treated to seeing it used so smoothly.
Luckily for Jorginho, his piece of footballing elegance has been appreciated by Chelsea fans, as seen on Twitter.
@Frankzmoses said: “Skill of the day, Jorginho with the master class against Belgium.”
@DownBallz said: “That pull back skill from Jorginho. Top top IQ on display.”
@officialtruekaa said : “What a lovely skill by Jorginho.”
@Appiahmakkavel1 said: “Hisense skill of yesterday!!!! Jorginho showing Thorgan Hazard some of the things we do at Cobham.”
The skill simply emphasised just how well the Chelsea midfielder played as he dictated the game, broke up play and was pivotal to starting Italian attacks all night. Italy will be hoping he produces another masterclass in the semi-final on Tuesday.
