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Spain coach Luis Enrique on Euros semi defeat: A spectacle for purists

Spain coach Luis Enrique says he was proud of his players in their Euro 2020 semifinal defeat to Italy.

It was 1-1 after 90 minutes with Alvaro Morata coming off the bench to cancel out a Federico Chiesa opener, then the Nazionale won a penalty shootout.

“Happy for what I saw, the level was incredible between two quality teams who tried to play good football. I think it was a spectacle for afficionados of the sport," Luis Enrique told RAI Sport.

“I congratulate Italy and hope they can put in another fine performance in the Final, trying to win the trophy.

“I have no regrets. Everyone has to do his job and do all that he can. Italy started with extraordinary intensity, so did we, it was like two sportscars racing each other, head-to-head, and some of the best football we've seen in the Euros."

On his 'false 9' system, Enrique explained: “I saw Chiellini and Bonucci deal with Lukaku and thought maybe it's better to take away a reference point, add another body in midfield. It was a good plan, we overcame the Italy press and played really well."

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