Some time has passed since Simone Zaza’s cartoonish penalty in Italy’s shootout loss to Germany in the Euro 2016 semifinals, but German NBA star Dirk Nowitzki isn’t going let him forget it. During a charity match in Mainz, Germany, Nowitzki replicated Zaza’s high-stepping run-up and crap shot, then laughed at Zaza’s endless pain.
Tag: Italy
Gigi Buffon gave out free hugs outside Italy’s hotel
The day after Italy’s agonizing shootout loss to Germany in the Euro 2016 quarterfinals, it was time to go home. As the team boarded the bus outside their hotel, the gathered fans remained ardent with their support. So to show his gratitude, goalkeeper and captain Gigi Buffon stopped just before boarding, went over to them and gave out a few world-class hugs.
Germany prove they can’t lose a shootout, even when their penalties suck
Germany beat Italy in one of the most hilariously horrible penalty shootouts to reach the Euro 2016 semifinals. Here’s a sampling of the madness this match produced:
The galvanizing madness of Antonio Conte propels Italy past Spain
KING CONTE!pic.twitter.com/4D4GpvrDc1
— S. (@lmaosimon) June 27, 2016
Spain dismantled Italy in the Euro 2012 final, winning 4-0 to claim their third consecutive major trophy. Two years later at the 2014 World Cup, both nations made shocking exits in the group stage with one win and two losses each. At this point, Spain decided to stay the course with the firmly entrenched and historically successful Vicente Del Bosque, but Italy made a change, replacing Cesare Prandelli with Antonio Conte. And two years after that, Italy have now beaten Spain 2-0 in the Euro 2016 round of 16. And this reversal of fortunes is largely down to the men in the technical area.
Andrea Barzagli helps save a ladybug on the pitch
Prior to Italy’s match against Sweden, Andrea Barzagli spotted a ladybug on the pitch as he warmed up. Most people wouldn’t think twice about a little bug in the grass, but Barzagli takes his job as a defender very seriously.
Antonio Conte bleeds, Gigi Buffon falls off crossbar during Italy celebrations
Italy stunned Belgium by scoring first with a 32nd-minute goal from Emanuele Giaccherini and their bench was perhaps a bit overly aggressive in their celebrations with manager Antonio Conte.
DTotD: Vicente Del Bosque gets run over by linesman
During the first half of the international friendly between Italy and Spain, a linesman collided with Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque, sending the mustachioed World Cup winner to the ground.
Del Bosque shook hands with his assailant after getting up, showing that he forgave the linesman while we can only assume that his mustache did not. Sadly, the linesman was not booked for this shameful foul.
This has been the Dirty Tackle of the Day: a chronicling of unfortunate events.
The very best Euro 2016 kits (so far)
It might seem like Euro 2016 is still a ways off, but we’ve got an international break deadzone now, so kitmakers are starting to unveil some of their creations for next summer’s tournament. Adidas has probably launched the most so far, and many of them are exceptional. Let’s take a look at some of the best…
Italy scorer consoles Georgia keeper after 6-1 win in Women’s Euro qualifer
Georgia jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in just the third minute of their Euro 2017 qualifier against Italy, but then reality took hold and Italy went on to win 6-1.
The result was apparently too much for Georgia goalkeeper Tamar Nadirashvili, who dropped to her knees in tears when the final whistle blew.
There was a swastika etched into the pitch for the Croatia-Italy Euro 2016 qualifier
Croatia hosted Italy in a Euro 2016 qualifier without fans in Zagreb’s Stadion Maksimir as punishment for racist behavior during a qualifier against Norway (Norway?) earlier this year. This should have meant that there was no chance of further incidents, but where there’s a repugnant will, there’s a way.