Euro 2020 host's classy response to claims of 'Sharon Stone moment'
Italian TV presenter Paola Ferrari has responded to fans who claim she had a 'Sharon Stone moment' from Basic Instinct during coverage of Euro 2020 on Sunday.
Ferrari is the face of Italian TV's coverage of the global football tournament and was back in action on 'Rai' for the Azzurri's clash with Wales.
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But football fans thought they'd got more than they bargained for when Ferrari evoked memories of Stone's infamous leg-crossing scene in Basic Instinct.
Addressing the incident on social media afterwards, Ferrari smacked down the claims and confirmed that she was wearing underwear.
"It's a bit of a stretch, as (Stone) is one of the sexiest women in the world," Ferrari said.
"In short, the viral video seems a bit exaggerated, I presented two evenings WITH pants.
"Sharon Stone was not wearing underwear in that scene. I on the other hand prefer to protect health and hygiene.
"It has gone viral, they are using more VAR (video assistant referees) than on the field at the European Championships.
"It happened but it's nothing serious."
Italy beat Wales as both progress to last 16
Meanwhile, Italy played their second-stringers on Sunday and still extended their unbeaten streak to 30 matches - matching a national record - after Matteo Pessina's goal late in the first half proved enough to seal victory.
Italy, who won their opening two matches 3-0, finished Group A with a perfect nine points while Wales will also progress, having finished second on four points.
Chasing only their second European title, Italy will play the second-placed team from Group C at Wembley next Saturday, while Wales will play the second-placed team from Group B in Amsterdam.
The Azzurri, who have now won 11-straight games without conceding, won 30-straight under coaching great Vittorio Pozzo from 1935-39 with a team that had just won a second consecutive World Cup.
It's been a remarkable turnaround for this Italy squad, which failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
On a warm and humid evening, Italy controlled from the start and Andrea Belotti and Federico Chiesa both came close to scoring before Pessina put the Azzurri ahead.
Verratti earned a foul that set up a free kick on the right flank and then whipped in a low cross that Pessina flicked into the far corner with his back to the goal.
Wales defender Ethan Ampadu was sent then off with a questionable straight red card for stepping on Federico Bernardeschi 10 minutes into the second half.
Italy continued to pour forward after the break and Bernardeschi banged a free kick off the post.
By the final whistle, Italy had no starters from their opening two matches left on the field, with even goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma replaced by Salvatore Sirigu in the closing minutes.
with AAP
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