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Giorgio Chiellini Claims He 'Put A Curse' On Bukayo Saka Before His Penalty

Giorgio Chiellini Claims He 'Put A Curse' On Bukayo Saka Before His Penalty

Saka wasn't the only England player not to score his penalty but it seems he was the only one who missed because of a 'curse.'

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Giorgio Chiellini has revealed that he used a traditional penalty 'curse' to stop Bukayo Saka from scoring his penalty in the Euro 2020 final.

After Marcus Rashford hit the post and Jadon Sancho had his penalty saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, it looked like Jorginho would take the decisive penalty.

Instead Jordan Pickford saved the Chelsea midfielder's attempt, after telling himself it would be no problem, and Saka had the chance to level things up.

The Arsenal forward, who impressed in the tournament, unfortunately went the same way as his teammate and had his effort saved.

As the penalty was taken, Chiellini was spotted saying a traditional penalty curse 'Kiricocho,' and it certainly worked.

The word 'Kiricocho' has been linked with penalties since the 1980s and is to do with a fan who regularly went to Estudiantes games in Argentina, and even went to see the team train.

Estudiantes manager Carlos Bilardo claimed that whenever Kiricocho turned up to training one of his players got injured.

Instead of banning the fan, Bilardo hired him to welcome opposition fans and in 1982 the club won the league and only lost once at home, when the famous fan wasn't there.

After the manager moved on, the legend followed him and, whilst the fan stayed in Argentina, fans at Sevilla would chant it to wish ill fortune on the opposition, especially at penalties.

It's the same thing that Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou shouted at Erling Haaland in the Champions League last season, something the Borussia Dortmund striker had no idea about.

Italy players run past Saka to celebrate after his saved penalty. Image: PA Images
Italy players run past Saka to celebrate after his saved penalty. Image: PA Images

In case there was any question whether or not the Juventus defender did attempt to curse the England forward then he made sure there wasn't any doubt.

Talking to ESPN Argentina, the 36-year-old said, "I confirm everything to you. Kiricocho!"

And to think that some fans thought the worst thing Chiellini did to Saka was grab him by the collar and drag him down to the floor.

Maybe someone should petition against the curse instead....

Featured Image Credit: PA/UEFA

Topics: Football, Euro 2020, Bukayo Saka, England, Giorgio Chiellini, Italy

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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@Sidler28