Alan Shearer Slams Italy Striker Ciro Immobile For 'Pathetic' Play-Acting Vs Belgium

Alan Shearer ripped into Italy striker Ciro Immobile for his play-acting just before Italy's opening goal against Belgium on Friday night.

When Nico Barella picked up the ball and smashed one past Thibaut Courtois, the Lazio man was rolling around in the box after minimal contact from Jan Vertonghen.

But as soon as he realised Barella had fired the Azzurri ahead in the 31st minute, Immobile made a miraculous recovery and was up and off celebrating with his teammates.

It was almost like he had "come back to life" in a matter of moments.

Plenty saw the funny side and made Immobile become a massive meme on social media. But Newcastle legend Shearer, the Premier League's all-time top goalscorer, was furious.

"I don't even want to laugh at that because that is pathetic," the former England striker said on the BBC's coverage.

"You can see him have a look at the referee before he even goes down. It's pathetically embarrassing, that's what it is!"

Immobile, who has scored twice in four appearances at Euro 2020, was replaced by Torino's Andrea Belotti in the second half.

Lorenzo Insigne doubled Italy's lead with a stunning strike from distance, before Romelu Lukaku pulled one back for Belgium.

Roberto Martinez's side threw everything in an attempt to find an equaliser but the Italians were typically dogged defensively and held on to reach the semi-finals.

They will take on Spain at Wembley on Tuesday, although they will be without left-back and key player Leonardo Spinazzola after he ruptured his achilles tendon in the second half of the Belgium win.

Reports say he could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines having picked up the injury in Munich.