Where does Italy’s triumph over Spain rank in best games our writers have seen?

Matt DickinsonCount Italy against Spain as one of those special sporting nights that revive the soul quite profoundly, and not only because it was a magnificent game of knockout football. From the moment you entered Wembley stadium, and joined a crowd of more than 60,000, there was something magical in the air. Call it a post-lockdown euphoria.

If you have not been back among a big crowd yet, the noise and the colour and the sense of communion will hit you more powerfully than ever — and it was also a fantastic match that reminded me of another European Championship semi-final when Italy prevailed against opponents who seemed superior.

Holland were the swashbuckling home side expected to put Italy to the sword at Euro