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'Pathetic': Sport world slams star's 's**thousery' in baffling theatrics

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·4-min read
Ciro Immobile (pictured on the ground) rolling around after a challenge against Belgium.
Ciro Immobile (pictured on the ground) has been slammed for what appeared to be some playacting during the Italy v Belgium match at Euro 2020. (Image: BBC)

The Italians advanced in the blockbuster Euro 2020 clash with Belgium overnight, but the match was marred after a horror moment of 's**thousery' from star Ciro Immobile.

In the clash of the quarter-finals, Italy held on in some nervy moments after Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne scored a goal each to give Italy a 2-1 win over Belgium and a spot in the European Championship semi-finals.

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However, the match was marred after some embarrassing scenes as star striker Immobile went down and appeared to play act in an attempt to get a penalty.

With Italy leading Belgium 1-0, Immobile was looking to put his team further ahead.

As the ball was crossed in to the striker, he failed to control the ball as it bobbled into the area.

Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen and Immobile both went for the ball, before Immobile went down under what appeared to be minimal contact.

The Italian striker began to roll around on the floor, before Insigne followed up the loose ball and slotted it home.

But fans notice Immobile hop straight back to his feet and sprint over to join his teammates celebrate the goal.

Premier League legend Alan Shearer labelled the act as 'pathetic'.

"I don't even want to laugh at that because that's pathetic!" he said upon rewatching the clip for the BBC.

While others joked Immobile's acting performance deserved an Oscar.

Italy advance to face Spain at Euro 2020

Barella put Italy in the lead in the 31st minute after eluding two Belgium defenders and sending the ball in off the far post.

Insigne got the second in the 44th when he put a curling shot inside the far top corner.

Italy will next play Spain in the semi-finals on Tuesday at Wembley Stadium in London.

The Spanish defeated Switzerland on penalties in St Petersburg earlier on Friday.

Belgium got the penalty when Giovanni Di Lorenzo pushed Jeremy Doku shortly before half-time.

Lukaku then made it 2-1 by sending his shot down the middle.

It was only the second goal Italy has conceded at the tournament.

The Azzuri's midfield was dominant for the majority of the match with Marco Verrati putting in yet another midfield masterclass.

Nicolo Barella (pictured centre) celebrates during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Quarter-final match between Belgium and Italy at Football Arena Munich.
Nicolo Barella (pictured centre) celebrates during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Quarter-final match between Belgium and Italy at Football Arena Munich. (Photo by Markus Gilliar/Getty Images)

Barella offered the goal-scoring threat and Jorginho kept the ball ticking over.

Kevin De Bruyne started the match for Belgium after recovering from a left ankle injury, but Eden Hazard remained out with his leg injury.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made two good saves to deny De Bruyne and Lukaku early in the match.

Insigne got the second in the 44th when he put a curling shot inside the far top corner.

with AAP

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