Italy, the most vibrant nation at Euro 2020, whether it is singing their national anthem, celebrating goals or chest-bumping over blocks and tackles, have made it to the semi-finals and it will take some effort to stop them going all the way. Their intensity is unrivalled.

In a memorable evening in Munich the No 1-ranked team in the world, Belgium, could not do it despite the determined efforts of Kevin De Bruyne and while it may not be the end of the road for him, just after his 30th birthday, this could well turn out to be a final hurrah for many of his country’s so-called Golden Generation.

It may be the end also for coach Roberto Martínez who appears set to leave after this tournament with Italy now going forward to face Spain in the last four at Wembley next Tuesday.

For their coach Roberto Mancini, it is an astonishing 32 games unbeaten and 13 consecutive wins – five in these finals – and almost as remarkable is the energy and relentless commitment he is summoning from his squad. And this from a country that did not even qualify for the World Cup three years ago.

It fizzed and crackled as only a heavyweight encounter can, as only a meeting between two nations who believe they will win this tournament should.

The intensity was extraordinary with Italy throwing themselves forward, pressing high and ferociously and that was summed up as they broke through. Belgium just could not clear with Jan Vertonghen creaking and losing the ball and Marco Verratti intercepting before finding Nicola Barella who held off three challenges and found the space to whip a cross-shot with his right foot that left Thibaut Courtois stranded. In that moment Belgium’s defence did look like the trio of thirtysomethings that they are.

The celebrations were frenzied. Mancini turned his back and faced the dugout, maybe trying to find a moment to compose himself even if he demanded no let up from his team. They had already found the net but Leonardo Bonucci chesting the ball home had been correctly ruled out for his defensive partner Giorgio Chiellini being offside as he helped a free-kick on.

Belgium were pressed back but carried a threat. Their relief at being able to include De Bruyne, a doubt with an ankle problem after being cynically chopped down by Portugal, was clear and he ran at the Italy defence, shifting the ball to his left before striking an arrowing shot that was superbly palmed away by Gianluigi Donnarumma. Then De Bruyne spun outside his own area, strode forward and found Romelu Lukaku who forced Donnarumma into another sharp save. The 22-year-old goalkeeper, officially a free agent after running down his contract but who is in negotiations to join Paris Saint-Germain, looked commanding and it was Courtois who was left clutching at air as Italy doubled their advantage with the clock ticking towards half-time.

And what a strike it was from Lorenzo Insigne. He left Youri Tielemans trailing – maybe the midfielder was concerned having already been cautioned for bringing down Verratti – before running at Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen. They backed off and Insigne accepted the opportunity to arc a wonderful right-footed shot around them and beyond Courtois’s grasp.

Were Belgium already beaten? Martínez looked stunned but a lifeline came with Jérémy Doku, the 19-year-old winger who was a surprise choice, pushing the ball past Giovanni Di Lorenzo who panicked and bundled the winger over.

Was it enough for a penalty? Doku was certainly past Di Lorenzo other but Italy were furious as it was given. Lukaku calmly stepped up and hammered the ball down the centre of the goal as Donnarumma dived to his left. Half-time came. And breathe.

There was simply no let-up. Italy were affronted by the penalty and sensed Belgium’s vulnerability, with Ciro Immobile failing to connect with Federico Chiesa’s cross, as Martínez implored his team to get up the pitch and try and relief the pressure.

Eventually they did that. Doku, with his trickery, was an outlet and Donnarumma threw himself to intercept his cut-back as Lukaku rushed in.

Again Doku threatened and he held off defenders before finding De Bruyne whose low ball across the area found Lukaku who appeared certain to score only for Leonardo Spinazzola to sprint back and somehow get himself in the way. The side-footed, close-range shot struck the full-back and trickled narrowly wide. The Italians were exuberant, with Chiellini hugging Spinazzola, but Lukaku knew he should have scored.

Despite Italy’s dominance Belgium threatened again when substitute Nacer Chadli’s cross ricocheted up and just past Lukaku as he attempted to head home. It was Chadli’s only involvement as he soon limped off injured and Italy then lost Spinazzola who crumpled on the turf in tears. He knew come what may his tournament was over.

It make ever more frantic. Finally Italy were being forced into hanging on with Doku firing over and a desperate melee as Donnarumma punched out De Bruyne’s free-kick. There were bodies everywhere. The commitment was total. There was gamesmanship also, to Belgium’s frustration, but few would claim Italy did not deserve their famous victory. 

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]