Leeds star leaves the field in tears after being sent off as Germany beat nine-man Italy in thrilling quarter-final at European Under-21 Championship
Wilfried Gnonto Sent Off as Brave Nine-Man Italy Fall to Germany in U21 Euros Thriller
Wilfried Gnonto left the field in tears as Italy were eliminated from the UEFA Under-21 European Championship in heartbreaking fashion, losing 3-2 to Germany after extra time despite playing with just nine men.
The Leeds United forward was dismissed in the 80th minute for a second yellow card with the game tied at 1-1. Italy’s woes worsened when Mattia Zanotti also saw red ten minutes later, reducing the Azzurrini to nine players heading into added time.
Remarkably, Italy still managed to equalise. With virtually the last kick of the game, Giuseppe Ambrosino curled in a stunning free-kick in the sixth minute of stoppage time to force extra time.
Italy dug in valiantly for much of the extra period, but their resistance was finally broken with just minutes to go before penalties. Merlin Rohl fired in from the edge of the area to seal Germany’s place in the semi-finals.
Burnley winger Luca Koleosho had earlier given Italy the lead with a composed finish in the 58th minute. Germany responded through Nick Woltemade, the tournament’s top scorer, who nodded in his fifth goal just ten minutes later.
Gnonto had looked dangerous throughout, even hitting the post with a curling shot, before receiving two bookings in the space of 17 minutes.
Germany appeared to have the match won when Nelson Weiper headed them ahead in the 87th minute, and Zanotti’s dismissal shortly after seemed to confirm Italy’s exit. But Ambrosino’s 96th-minute equaliser reignited Italy’s hopes in dramatic fashion.
Despite their depleted numbers, Italy battled on in extra time but couldn’t hold out for a penalty shootout.
Germany now advance to face France in Wednesday’s semi-final. The other semi will see England take on the Netherlands.
After the match, Italy coach Carmine Nunziata praised his players’ effort and determination.
“This is the time to applaud these guys,” he said. “They played an incredible match. Being down to nine and conceding only in the final minutes says it all. The support from the crowd showed how well we played.”
“It’s painful to go out this way. The team deserved to progress — they were united and gave absolutely everything.”
Captain Lorenzo Pirola echoed the sentiment: “We showed what we’re capable of. It was just bad luck. I’m really proud of everyone.”
Germany coach Antonio Di Salvo admitted Italy’s late comeback had unsettled his team.
“My knees were shaking a bit,” he confessed. “Italy defended excellently. Conceding at 2-1 shouldn’t have happened, but we kept calm. Now we focus on recovering for France.”
Gnonto’s red card marked a tough end to an otherwise successful season. The 21-year-old helped Leeds earn promotion back to the Premier League, scoring nine times and assisting six in 43 Championship appearances.
He returns to England’s top tier having previously featured 24 times for Leeds in the 2022–23 Premier League season, contributing two goals and four assists.
