Leonardo Spinazzola has successful operation on ruptured Achilles tendon
Italy full-back Leonardo Spinazzola has undergone a successful operation to repair his left Achilles tendon, Roma confirmed on Monday.
Spinazzola left the Italy camp on Saturday, having ruptured the tendon during his nation’s 2-1 win over Belgium the previous night.
New Roma head coach Jose Mourinho confirmed on Sunday that the 28-year-old will be out for “a few months”.
Italy take on Spain in the first Euro 2020 semi-final on Tuesday evening at Wembley.
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What did the medical report say?
A club statement released on Monday read: “The club can confirm that Leonardo Spinazzola underwent surgery on Monday to repair the Achilles tendon in his left leg, following the injury suffered during Italy’s win over Belgium at Euro 2020 on July 2.
“The surgery, which was completed in Turku, Finland by Prof. Lasse Lempainen under the observation of the club’s Chief Doctor Massimo Manara, was successfully completed.
“The player’s condition and likely recovery period will continue to be assessed over the coming weeks.”
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What else has been said?
“We all feel sorry about the loss of our Spinazzola for a few months but that’s football and we have to be ready to start next week,” Mourinho said on Sunday.
Spinazzola previously wrote on Instagram: “Unfortunately we all know what happened, but our Italian dream continues and with this amazing group of ours nothing is impossible.
“I can only say that I will be back soon — you can be sure of that!”
What happened on Friday evening?
Italy were leading 2-1 when Spinazzola pulled up while sprinting for the ball in the 79th minute.
The left-back immediately signalled to the bench that he needed to be substituted and was visibly upset as he left the pitch on a stretcher.
Chelsea’s Emerson was his replacement for the game’s closing stages.
How much of a blow is this to Italy?
Spinazzola’s absence for the semi-final against Spain — and a potential final thereafter — is significant.
The Roma man has been one of the shining lights of Euro 2020, and has been a constant threat down Italy’s left side.
Though right-footed, Spinazzola has provided excellent width for Roberto Mancini’s side from left-back and has combined well with Lorenzo Insigne on that flank.
Most notably, Spinazzola provided a sublime assist for Federico Chiesa to open the scoring in Italy’s round-of-16 tie against Austria.
The aforementioned Emerson is Italy’s only other left-back in the squad, but he only made two Premier League appearances all season.
(Photo: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
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