Arsenal fans were wowed by Federico Chiesa’s performance for Italy at Euro 2020 on Saturday.
The 23-year-old came off the bench to inspire his country to a 2-1 win over Austria and help them progress through to the quarter-finals.
Arsenal fans liked what they saw from the light-footed forward, who showcased his soft touch and technical talent with his goal.
There were three outstanding touches from the on-loan Juventus man for the opening goal following a lovely-weighted cross to the far post.
Chiesa controlled the ball with his head, before taking a touch with his right foot and then firing the ball into the back of the net with his left.
The technique used by the Serie A player was highlighted by the Arsenal supporters.
Italy were the ones that opened the tournament by thrashing Turkey 3-0, and from then on, they set the pace throughout the group stages.
But against this Austrian side yesterday, who pressed the life out of them during the 120 minutes, Roberto Mancini’s men found life difficult.
They couldn’t play with the control, precision and efficiency they have been used to in the final third from previous matches.
And a lot of that was down to how Austria continued to suffocate them and turnover possession in dangerous areas of the pitch.
But when Chiesa was brought into the fold, eight minutes from normal time, it changed the tide of the game for the Italian’s.
Chiesa played a huge part in that by playing Austria at their own game, pressing them in an aggressive manner and committing men when on the ball.
And whilst a number of players out on the pitch have been linked with Arsenal this summer, such Manuel Locatelli, it was Chiesa who was highlighted by their fans.
Of course, Arsenal haven’t been linked with Chiesa this summer, but he is someone who would add some vibrancy to their final third if he was added to their ranks.
Although, that is impossible because Chiesa will be in the second of his two-year loan spell at Juventus from Fiorentina next season.
Mikel Arteta is looking to transform his side after an abject campaign that saw them finish outside of the European places for the first time in 25 years.
Those frustrated Arsenal fans would like some fresh lease of life added back into the team and some of the old guard removed.
Hector Bellerin does look like he will be heading for the exit door after falling out of favour in North London last season.
Whilst the marmite-liked figure, Granit Xhaka, is another one who could be heading to Italian shores and donning the colours of Roma.
Either way, a clearout is needed throughout the club, and if the right calls aren’t made, then Arsenal fans may have to wait a few more years before they are making Champions League trips to countries like Italy again.
Nonetheless, Arsenal fans made their feelings clear towards Chiesa’s after his performance last night:
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