What really happened between Chiellini and Jordi Alba: "Liar, liar"

The Italian centre back, Giorgio Chiellini, and the Spanish left back, Jordi Alba, have left us with one of the most memorable images of the European Championship semi-finals. They were seen joking with each other during the coin toss to see at which end the penalties would be taken and which team would go first, with the Italy captain reacting to Alba, who he accused of trying to cheat him in the first toss, by saying "Liar, liar..."

Spain were unable to beat Italy (1-1) over 120 minutes of football despite being superior in many areas, and the game was eventually decided by a penalty shoot-out. Jordi Alba took over from Sergio Busquets as captain and represented Spain in the coin toss.

There was a misunderstanding surrounding the first coin toss deciding the end at which the penalties would be taken. Chiellini reacted gracefully to this and started to joke, giving Alba a playful punch to the face before embracing him. The match referee, Félix Brych, proclaimed that the penalties would be taken in front of the Italian fans. Following the second coin toss, Italy were also allowed to take the first penalty in the shoot-out.

#ITAESP Giorgio Chiellini, avant une séance de tirs au but pour une place en finale de l'#EURO2020...

Normal quoi 😂🤣😂 pic.twitter.com/yINDrtMJCc

— EURO 2020 🇫🇷 (@EURO2020FR) 6 de julio de 2021

Italy beat Spain 4-2 on penalties, despite Unai Simón saving the first attempt. Manuel Locatelli missed his spot kick, but so did Spanish winger Dani Olmo - who put in a great performance as a striker - shooting high above Donnarumma's goal. Italy scored their next three penalties before Álvaro Morata missed Spain's fourth. Chelsea midfielder Jorginho then tucked away Italy's fifth and final penalty, helping his country get their revenge for Spain's shootout win in 2008.

England or Denmark: Italy's opponent in the final

Until last night, every time Spain had reached the semi-finals they had ended up winning the whole tournament. Luis Enrique's team put in a great performance and perhaps deserved to go through. However, Italy showed that they are favourites for a reason, and are now set to play their fourth European Championships final. They won the competition in 1968 as hosts and again in 2000, and finished runners-up in 2012.

Their opponent in the final will be either England or Denmark. The English are considered favourites against this surprising Danish side, who have responded wonderfully to the tragic incident involving Christian Eriksen in the tournament's opening game and are one of the teams that play the best football. The final is set to be played on Sunday 11 July at 9 PM.