Italy clinched just their second European Championships’ trophy after a long wait of 53 years, when they defeated England on penalties at the Wembley Stadium, London. With this win, Italy also remain 34 matches unbeaten since September 2018.
Italy XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson; Jorginho, Barella, Veratti; Chiesa, Insigne, Immobile.
England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire; Trippier, Rice, Phillips, Shaw; Mount, Sterling; Kane.
Both teams started with their best line ups considering injuries. Although, England opened the scoring by Luke Shaw, who connected a pinpoint cross by Kieran Trippier. The Manchester United full back became the player to score the fastest goal in a Euro final match as he scored at 1 minute 57 seconds.
The three lions kept constant pressure on the Italians in the first half, even though Italy enjoyed majority of the possession. At the 35th minute, the Azzurri had a golden opportunity when Chiesa dribbled past three players to take a low shot which missed the target by a whisker.
Roberto Mancini’s talk at half time surely pumped up the Italian players as they came out stronger in the second half to equalise at the 67th minute through a strike by Leonardo Bonucci. The Juventus defender converted from a rebound which came off the keeper after Verrati’s header as he received the Star of the Match award and also became the oldest player to score in a Euro Final.
In the penalty shootout, Donnarumma made three magnificent saves to help Italy lift the trophy at the Wembley Stadium. For Donnarumma’s amazing journey in the Euro 2020, he received the Player of the Tournament award.
Individual Awards:
Player of the tournament: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Golden Boot: Cristiano Ronaldo
Young Player of the Tournament: Pedri
