The Italian press shared its ‘shame’ for Jorginho after the Arsenal midfielder missed a penalty as Italy beat North Macedonia 5-2 in their Euro 2024 qualifier on Friday night.
It was the 31-year-old’s latest blunder from 12 yards out with the Azzurri as his once mighty record continues to fall apart. Jorginho has now missed his last three penalty kicks in regular time for Italy. He also failed to convert during the Euro 2020 final shoot-out against England.
Jordan Pickford sparked the run by saving the Arsenal player’s attempt at Wembley while he was still at Chelsea. Jorginho has since missed penalties for Italy against Switzerland (twice) and North Macedonia. He missed his first against Nati before Yann Sommer made the save.
Italian media reacts to Jorginho’s missed penalty for Italy
Jorginho also missed a penalty for Chelsea against West Ham United during his dire run from the spot for Italy. His miss against North Macedonia was also the eighth time the 31-year-old has ever failed to convert during regular time. He has scored 41 in his career in regular time.
Some in the Italian media now question if Italy manager Luciano Spalletti should let Jorginho take further penalties for them. TuttoMercatoWEB has also suggested that the Italian singer-songwriter Francesco De Gregori would hesitate about letting the Arsenal star take another.
TMW did provide some praise for Jorginho’s overall performance in the Arsenal midfielder’s 49th cap for Italy, however. The Brazil-born technician impressed with his ability to conduct the game. But his miss from the spot was the key talking point in regard to his performance.
“It’s ok not to be afraid to take a penalty kick,” TuttoMercatoWEB said. “It’s ok not to judge a player by these details. But perhaps there is a limit and probably not even De Gregori would still give the ball to Jorginho to kick a penalty for Italy after four consecutive errors.
“It’s a shame, also because the performance was positive. He remote-controlled Italy, even dictating the passing lines with his hands when he was stamped by [Enis] Bardhi.”
Jorginho’s rise at Arsenal this season caught Spalletti’s eye
North Macedonia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski saved Jorginho’s penalty as the Arsenal man spurned a chance to put Italy 2-0 clear. Matteo Darmian had broken the deadlock during the Euro 2024 qualifier. But Federico Chiesa saved Jorginho’s blushes by scoring straight after.
The tie had marked Jorginho’s first appearance for Italy under Spalletti and first outing since June. He failed to make their squad in September and October but returned to the fold after gaining a regular role for Arsenal. He has started four of the Gunners’ last five league games.
Jorginho has been available to Mikel Arteta all term but started off on the bench at Emirates Stadium. He only came into their line-up before the October international break at home to Manchester City. Yet Jorginho has since captained Arsenal against Newcastle and Burnley.
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