Italy won Euro 2020 (Euro 2021) after beating England on penalties 3-2 (1-1) at Wembley Stadium, London, Monday (12/7).
England were able to take the lead 1-0 when the game had only been running for two minutes. Kieran Trippier’s cross from the right side of the attack was met by Luke Shaw’s first time kick which broke into Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal.
After that goal, England appeared so comfortable in controlling the game that it made Italy difficult. Italy only had a chance midway through the first half but Federico Chiesa’s effort did not result in an equaliser.
In the second half, Italy played much better than the first half. On the other hand, England, which was focused on maintaining its superiority, began to falter due to constant pressure.
Italy immediately got a chance when the second half lasted just four minutes with a free kick after Insigne was fouled by Raheem Sterling just outside the penalty box in the 49th minute. Insigne, who came forward as the executor, tried to fire a shot into the right corner of the goal which was still wide.
Another opportunity was obtained by Italy after England’s efforts to increase the score through John Stones’ header using Luke Shaw’s bait could still be thwarted by Donnarumma.
Chiesa, who appeared so energetic, became a player who almost broke into Jordan Pickford’s goal. Chiesa fired a shot that was aimed at the far post but was saved brilliantly by Pickford.
Italy’s continued pressure finally break the goal in the 67th minute. From a corner kick situation, Marco Verratti could do a header that Pickford could still block.
Pickford’s free ball hit the post and Leonardo Bonucci, who was in the closest position, could cheat the ball into an empty net to make it 1-1.
Both teams attempted to score the winning goal in the remainder of the second half but neither goal was scored. The Italy vs England match had to be continued in extra time.
In the extra time round, one of the best opportunities was obtained by Italy in the 103rd minute. Emerson could send a measured into the penalty area but the ball was still too fast and headed for Pickford who deftly threw the ball away.
In the 113th minute, Italy almost had to play with 10 men after Jorginho made a hard foul on England substitute Jack Grealish. Jorginho appeared to have stepped on Grealish’s foot but referee Bjorn Kuipers only awarded Jorginho a yellow card.
After that, Italy and England could not score the goals that made the difference in this match. The winner of Euro 2020 must also be determined through a penalty shootout.
In the penalty shootout, Italy managed to come out victorious with a score of 3-2 over England. Italy’s three penalty takers, Domenico Berardi, Leonardo Bonucci and Federico Bernardeschi could do their job well and only Andrea Belotti and Jorginho missed because their shots could be read by Pickford.
Meanwhile in England, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka failed to carry out their duties. Only Harry Kane and Harry Maguire can carry out their duties perfectly.
Lineup
Italy (4-3-3): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Leonardo Bonucci, Giogio Chiellini, Emerson; Nicolo Barella, Jorginho, Marco Verratti; Federico Chiesa, Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne
England (3-4-3): Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire; Kieran Trippier, Calvin Phillips, Declan Rice, Luke Shaw; Mason Mount, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling
