Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti earned a pivotal start for the Italian national team in its Euro 2020 Round of 16 fixture against Austria.
Verratti had a fine performance in the match as he won 10 ground duels, created four goal-scoring chances for teammates and completed three tackle attempts.
More so, the PSG talent made his first career knockout stage appearance for Italy at a major tournament in this match.
The previous time that Italy advanced on through to the knockout stage of a major tournament came five years ago during Euro 2016, which Verratti missed due to a groin injury.
Verratti is very much deserving of accomplishing this personal feat, especially as he is among the more veteran players on the team.
Italy will now look ahead to either facing Belgium or Portugal in the upcoming Euro 2020 Quarterfinal round as the Azzurri continues its quest to pull off a deep run in this tournament.
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