It took a penalty shootout to separate the two best sides of the 2020 UEFA Euro. However, when the dust settled, Italy emerged victorious, with Gianluigi Donnarumma saving three spot-kicks in the shootout.
A month-long festival of football approached its conclusion on Sunday night as Italy and England prepared to face each other for the final act in a packed Wembley Stadium. England looked to end 55 years of hurt, the Three Lions without an international trophy since 1966. Italy, on the other hand, aimed to compensate for its absence from the 2018 World Cup.
Just two minutes into the match, Wembley erupted into jubilant celebrations. Luke Shaw put England ahead with the first attack of the game, the Manchester United full-back slamming home a cross from Kieran Trippier in off the post.
The “home” side, however, allowed Italy to grow into the game. Federico Chiesa had gone close in the first half, and the Juventus star tested Jordan Pickford early in the second, but the custodian made a strong, low save to keep England in front.
England’s resolve was finally broken in the 67th minute, as Leonardo Bonucci scored the leveller from a set-piece. Italy continued to dominate the game, first after the goal and then deep into extra time. However, England stood firm and forced the match into a penalty shootout.
Domenico Berardi and Harry Kane scored the first spot-kick for either side before Andrea Belotti missed his. Centre-back Harry Maguire blasted home England’s second penalty in the shootout to give his side the advantage, albeit temporarily.
Bonucci kept Italy in the match by scoring his effort, and Marcus Rashford missed his, subsequently, to bring the shootout level. The next set ended in the same manner, Federico Bernardeschi scored his penalty, but Jadon Sancho saw his effort saved. Pickford saved Jorginho’s kick to give England just a glimmer of hope, but Saka missed the crucial kick to hand Italy the title.
Italy’s second European Championship win sees them move to joint-second in the all-time rankings. The Azzurri trail Germany and Spain, with both the nations having won the tournament three times each.
