Chelsea midfielder, Jorginho breaks 61-year-old record as Italy defeats Lithuania 5-0

Jorginho was given the captain’s armband by Azzurri manager Roberto Mancini on the occasion of his 38th cap for the country, after being awarded UEFA Player of the Year for his part in Chelsea’s Champions League victory and Italy’s victory at Euro 2020.

For the first time in his career, the Chelsea midfielder donned the captain’s armband as he led the Azzurris.

The midfielder’s night was made much more memorable when he led his team to a 5-0 victory over Lithuania in front of the Italian supporters, who gave him a standing ovation when he was replaced after an hour. Italy is undefeated and five points clear at the top of their group, despite having played two games more than Switzerland in second place.

It was the first time in 61 years that a non-native Italian has worn the captain’s armband for Italy and It’s only the second occasion in Italian history that a non-native player has led the national team.

Jorginho wasn’t born in Italy; he was born in Brazil and came to Italy when he was 15 years old. Jorginho would therefore choose to represent his chosen nation rather than the Selecao.

Miguel Angel Montuori, a non-Italian native who captained Italy twice in 1959 and 1960, is the only other non-Italian native to have done so.

Jorginho, who was just crowned the best player in Europe, has had an unbelievable year.