Euro 2020: Italy set new record of 31 games unbeaten

Italy needed extra time to defeat Austria 2-1 in the round of 16 at Euro 2020, surpassing its own 30-game unbeaten run set in 1939 and qualify for the quarterfinals of the tournament.

The deadlock was broken in the 95th minute when substitute Federico Chiesa struck a beautiful left-footed strike into the bottom left corner before substitute Matteo Pessina found the other corner in the 105th minute to stretch the Azzurri’s lead.

A deft header from Austria’s Sasa Kalajdzic halved the deficit but it was not enough as the Italians remained confident and composed as it continues to impress.

The victory on Saturday at Wembley Stadium in London also means Italy has now won its last 12 consecutive matches.

It was also Italy’s 31st game in a row without defeat, surpassing the record of 30 set by the team between 1935 and 1939 under Vittorio Pozzo.

Italy now advances to the quarterfinal where it will face the winner of No. 1 ranked Belgium or reigning champions Portugal.

Either side will be the biggest challenge the Italians will have faced so far in this tournament, with the last time it lost a match coming against Portugal back in September 2018.

“Austria played well but we had our chances and we scored a couple of good goals,” Chiesa said afterwards. “I think we deserve to go through. We are a group of 26 players and all of us are eager to help the team win games. This is what made the difference tonight.”