Arsenal midfielder Jorginho got off to a winning start at Euro 2024 on Saturday as Italy came from behind to beat Albania.
Jorginho started from the off in the middle of the park and played the full 90 minutes as Italy picked up a 2-1 victory.
The Arsenal star received a shock inside the opening minute as Albania netted the fastest goal in Euros history. Nedim Bajrami capitalised on a mix-up after a throw-in and fired an emphatic finish past Gianluigi Donnarumma with just 23 seconds gone.
But Jorginho and Italy recovered well after an early setback and dominated proceedings thereafter.
First-half goals from Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella proved to be enough for Italy to get their Euro 2024 campaign off to a positive start.
And while Jorginho put in a solid display at the base of midfield, the Italian media feel he will have to step up his game in more difficult fixtures.
Sky Sport Italy handed Jorginho a six out of 10 rating after his display against Albania and praised the Arsenal star for always being available to receive the ball.
“The others run and get away, and then he limits himself to directing the traffic with order and cleanliness. He shares control with Barella, but the other moves tirelessly, while he simply lets anyone who wants to deposit the ball find him,” the outlet wrote.
Il Gornale delivered the same verdict in terms of match rating but felt the veteran midfielder ‘limited himself’ in possession.
“He limits himself to ordinary administration: it can be enough with Albania, not for the next ones,” they wrote.
As for Calciomercato, the outlet were slightly more generous as they handed Jorginho a 6.5 match rating.
But they did note that Jorginho’s passing was a bit more ‘imprecise’ compared to his usual standards.
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Jorginho’s display for Italy in numbers
Despite the Italian media being slightly more critical of Jorginho’s display, the numbers reflect a well-rounded performance.
The 32-year-old completed the most passes in the game and picked up a 7.5 rating from Sofascore, which was only bettered Barella, Bastoni and Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
- 90 minutes played
- 136 touches
- 119/130 passes completed
- 1 key pass
- 4/ 6 long balls completed
- 1 clearances
- 3 interceptions
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