Soccer-Italy hero Spinazzola aiming for November return from injury

(Reuters) - AS Roma and Italy defender Leonardo Spinazzola hopes to return to action in November after seeing his superb Euro 2020 campaign come to a painful premature end due to an Achilles injury.

The left-back was one of the Azzurri’s standout performers as they won every game to be crowned European champions, but suffered an Achilles tendon injury in their quarter-final victory over Belgium.

"They told me to keep my foot still, but after two days I was already moving it," he said.

"I am aiming to be back in November, but this is the only objective that I have given myself, then we will see. The important thing will be to return in top form."

Spinazzola underwent surgery earlier this month and will join up with a new-look Roma side led by Jose Mourinho when he completes his recovery.

"I met Mourinho and he is a genuine person, this is the most important thing," Spinazzola said.

"He is serious, tough, he always says what he thinks, and this is a virtue for a coach."

(Reporting by Alasdair Mackenzie; Editing by Christian Radnedge)