John Stones has recalled the “special moment” during Everton’s 2013 pre-season tour of America when he sent Juventus goalkeeper Marco Storani the wrong way with a dinked penalty. The Blues went on to win 6-5 on penalties in San Francisco during the inaugural International Champions Cup after the two sides drew 1-1 in normal time.
John Stones said: “A young lad stepped up, I think it was in San Francisco, I went and dinked one down the middle, I think I was a naive John at that time. It was a great occasion for me, I think it was my first full game for the first team after turning up to Everton, it was a special moment for me, one I get reminded of a lot.”
The shootout came just a year after Andrea Pirlo scored a similar spot-kick against England in the Euro 2012 quarter-final as the Italians knocked out Roy Hodgson’s side. That night in August he came up against the classy midfielder, who missed a penalty in the shootout, and when asked about the comparisons between the midfield stalwart and England teammate Kalvin Phillips praising the Leeds man.
John Stones said: “Two different players (Andrea Pirlo and Kalvin Phillips) I’ve had the opportunity to play with Kalvin and I believe he’s his own player in his own quality and it’s quite funny that he is labelled the Yorkshire Pirlo. (He’s) An incredible player and to see him come through and perform the way he has throughout the tournament, I think it’s his first major tournament, I couldn’t be happier for him, he’s done himself so proud and everyone back home for him.”
