Wilfried Gnonto, the dynamic Leeds United forward, left the pitch in tears after being sent off during Italy’s heartbreaking 3-2 extra-time loss to Germany in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship quarter-final. The emotionally charged clash saw Italy reduced to nine men, yet they pushed Germany to the brink in one of the tournament’s most dramatic encounters.
🟥 Gnonto’s Dismissal Turns the Tide
Gnonto, who had looked sharp throughout the match and struck the post with a curling effort, received two yellow cards within 17 minutes, the second coming in the 80th minute with the score tied at 1-1. His dismissal was followed by Mattia Zanotti’s red card just 10 minutes later, leaving Italy with a daunting two-man disadvantage.
“It hurts to lose like this. These guys deserved to go through,” said Italy coach Carmine Nunziata, praising his team’s resilience.
⚽ Late Drama and Extra-Time Heartbreak
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Italy equalized in the 96th minute through a stunning Giuseppe Ambrosino free-kick, forcing extra time. The Azzurrini defended valiantly for another 27 minutes before Merlin Röhl broke their resistance with a decisive strike from the edge of the box, sending Germany into the semi-finals.
Earlier, Luca Koleosho had given Italy the lead in the 58th minute, only for Germany’s Nick Woltemade to level with his fifth goal of the tournament. Nelson Weiper then made it 2-1 before Ambrosino’s late heroics.
🇮🇹 Gnonto’s Season Ends in Tears
Gnonto’s red card marked a bitter end to an otherwise stellar season. The 21-year-old helped Leeds secure promotion to the Premier League, scoring nine goals and six assists in 43 Championship appearances. His emotional exit from the U21 Euros underscores both his passion and the fine margins of tournament football.
Germany will now face France in the semi-finals, while England take on the Netherlands in the other last-four clash.
Stay tuned for more updates from the U21 Euros.
