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Italy win Euro 2020 after defeating England in a penalty shootout

Italy vs England: who will win the EURO 2020 final?

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What's the story?
After two epic semi-finals, London now hosts a decider which, for the first time in EURO history, will feature England.

Since their 1966 FIFA World Cup triumph at the previous Wembley Stadium, England have lost in the semi-finals of five major tournaments: EURO '68 and '96, the 1990 and 2018 World Cups and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.

However, they have seen off Germany, Ukraine and, in extra time on Wednesday night, Denmark to earn their chance to end – to paraphrase a popular song – 55 years of hurt.

Italy's sole EURO title came as hosts back in 1968. They also lost the finals of 2000 and 2012, although since becoming continental champions they have won two of their four World Cups.

The Azzurri beat Spain on penalties on Tuesday and if that, technically, halted their 13-game winning streak (and record of 15 EURO victories in a row, qualifying included), they still remain unbeaten in 33. A remarkable turnaround for a team who, while England reached the 2018 World Cup semis, did not even qualify for Russia.

But sitting out a preceding World Cup did not stop Czechoslovakia in 1976, Denmark in 1992 or Greece in 2004 claiming the European title.

Predicted line-ups
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne
Out: Spinazzola (Achilles)

England: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Phillips; Saka, Mount, Sterling; Kane


Reporters' views
Paolo Menicucci, Italy reporter: It may not have been the best Italy performance in the semi-final against Spain but there is one aspect that really impressed me. The Azzurri seem to play with no kind of pressure. Even when the game went to penalties, there were plenty of smiles and laughs, something we are used to seeing while watching them training at Coverciano.

They probably know they have already achieved something special in regaining the love of an entire country and plenty of respect at international level. This is the best spirit in which to face England at Wembley. Now all they need is the icing on the cake.

Simon Hart, England reporter: England have already made history by reaching their first EURO final. Gareth Southgate's men have gained momentum and conviction by logging a number of milestones marked by one common denominator: 1966. After all, not since that FIFA World Cup triumph under Alf Ramsey had England got through a group phase without conceding, or eliminated Germany, or scored four times in a knockout game. Or, of course, reached a final.

A team defined by their togetherness are now just one step from emulating the boys of '66. Italy's pressing game will present a challenge, but this team have risen to every other challenge so far. With the Wembley crowd behind them, they will believe this is their moment.

View from the camps
Roberto Mancini, Italy coach: "We have been working towards this for many years so we are very happy and I can only thank the players for what they have done so far. We have won nothing yet; we will have to win on Sunday to consider it a success. England will have an entire stadium behind them. It will be on us to put them under pressure. A final is a bit different from other games, we will have to play with focus but also with joy because you can only win a final if you take pitch to have fun."

Giorgio Chiellini, Italy captain: "This championship has been very emotional, from the first match against Turkey until now. It's a dream we've been chasing over the years, a dream our coach slowly put in our minds until it started coming true. He told us to have in our minds the idea of winning the EURO. We thought he was crazy, but over the last few years he has created a team which is now on the brink of doing just that."

Gareth Southgate, England manager: "We've got to enjoy the fact we're in the final but there's one more massive hurdle to conquer. Italy are a very good side, I've thought that the last couple of years. They are in outstanding form and have defensive warriors who have been through everything. It's a great game to look forward to."

Jordan Henderson, England midfielder: "[It’s] full focus on Sunday, the biggest game of our lives. We've got to try and make everybody happy again in this stadium and in this country. A huge opportunity for us as a group, as a country, and we'll give it absolutely everything."

Form guide (most recent first)
Italy: DWWWWW

England: WWWWDW

https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/news/026b-12b4b8b00dbb-a0da47dc0c0d-1000--italy-vs-england-final-preview/?iv=true
 
It's going to be a terrific final, I can't wait. The most high quality and unpredictable final in a while.
 
In Europe, I have been fan of both England and Italy since WC in 1990. So for me it’s same which team wins, but if I have to select only one of them I would want England to win, they would really enjoy it after winning last major trophy way back in 1966.
 
Supporting England but it looks extremely difficult to overcome this Italian side. But if we can beat the Germans at home, then no reason to not beat Italy either!
 
On paper, Southgate should have no excuses to beat this Italian team, but in the end the pressure changes things and it will be how england adapt to it mentaly.

However taking this Italian side should not be difficult, all England have to do is a stick a man on Jorginho and another on Verrati and you've taken italy out of the match.
 
The way England made a meal of the Danish game tells me that they will find Italians tougher to handle.
 
PetroDollars said:
On paper, Southgate should have no excuses to beat this Italian team, but in the end the pressure changes things and it will be how england adapt to it mentaly.

However taking this Italian side should not be difficult, all England have to do is a stick a man on Jorginho and another on Verrati and you've taken italy out of the match.
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Hand england the trophy already then :)) if only it was that easy, Jorginho pulls the strings and is a contender for ballon d'or if italy wins this, Pep had no answer to him in the champions league final so lets see how Southgate gets on.

On Paper Italy have probably played the better football this tournament and have a better overall , more experienced squad, England have done well to get this far and realistically no one expected them to make the final given their usual record in tournaments, however i still think england especially with the the home crowd behind them will get lucky and pull it off, cant wait for the atmosphere around wembley on sunday its going to be something else.
 
Italy had no legs come extra time against Spain so a major part of their game, ie. their intense press, wont last long but you just know that they will come tactically prepared for the finals. Will look to keep the ball as much as possible.

England have to play either Foden or Grealish and Henderson in CM to hold possesion. They'll end up chasing shadows otherwise.
 
Italy have the mental edge over England. They have more continentally successful and top trophy-winning players, whereas England are filled with lots of inexperienced but extremely bright talent. Maguire-Stones are phenomenal, but in a European final I would rather take Bonucci-Cheillini (as an example).
 
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Leonardo Bonucci says Italy 'are not afraid' to face England at Wembley Stadium

Leonardo Bonucci says Italy "are not afraid" to contest the Euro 2020 final on English soil when the two sides face each other on Sunday.

Italy beat Spain on penalties after a captivating semi-final at a boisterous Wembley Stadium on Tuesday.

"Even though there will be a mostly English crowd, it will give us additional motivation," Bonucci said.

As many as 1,000 Italian fans will be allowed inside Wembley to watch the game.

Juventus defender Bonucci, 34, will line up alongside 36-year-old centre-back partner Giorgio Chiellini to face an England team with an average age of 25.

Bonucci joked it will be "youngsters against old men" as Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate can call upon the likes of Bukayo Saka, 19, and 21-year-old Jadon Sancho in his attack.

"They have very strong attackers, we will need great attention towards them and the whole team," he said.

"We know the difficulties they can give us and we will have to be careful about their speed."

"England have a super defence, I already said this during the qualifying phase," he said.

"They have an excellent midfield, and behind them are [Harry] Maguire and [John] Stones, who had great seasons at Manchester United and [Manchester] City.

"We will need to give great attention as a defence and show a lot of cunning to score in attack."

Four-time World Cup winners Italy are looking to lift their first European Championship since 1968 after losing in both the 2000 and 2012 finals.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57781315
 
Sticking to my original prediction. I expect and will be supporting the Azzurri win it possibly after extra time.
 
MenInG said:
The way England made a meal of the Danish game tells me that they will find Italians tougher to handle.
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This is a key point. England were 2nd to the loose ball or the second ball as its called, in midfield. At times the Danes looked stronger, fitter and more intelligent. Denmark just dont have the quality up front to take advantage. England cannot afford to play the same against Italy.

For me its 50-50. Bookmakers have Italy 2-1 and England at 6/5.

England
+ - Being at Wembley is huge advantage for England, the crowd can be a 12th man for them. England also have players in form with the likes of Sterling and Kane scoring ,this is the best form they could have aksed for. Englands pace up front should trouble the Italian defence esp with their captain on the older side. Both teams of course want to win but no team is as hungry as England to win the Euro's, its been so long , most of us werent born in 66! :wg

- Emotionally drained after the semi, tired players. Midfield has strong players but inexperienced. No real great playemakers, esp if JG is not starting.

Italy have played the best football of any team, at times they were mesmerising. Beating the likes of Belguim and Spain must give them great confidence in winning. Italy have also played at Wembley, they are used to the stadium now. Had an extra days rest too, which was needed as their players are not as fit as the English.

Should be a great final even its a tight game because whats on the line esp for the English.

My heart say England but my mind says Italy. Good luck to both teams.
 
silentkiller187 said:
Hand england the trophy already then :)) if only it was that easy, Jorginho pulls the strings and is a contender for ballon d'or if italy wins this, Pep had no answer to him in the champions league final so lets see how Southgate gets on.

On Paper Italy have probably played the better football this tournament and have a better overall , more experienced squad, England have done well to get this far and realistically no one expected them to make the final given their usual record in tournaments, however i still think england especially with the the home crowd behind them will get lucky and pull it off, cant wait for the atmosphere around wembley on sunday its going to be something else.
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Pep was arrogant, over confident and silly in that final and he was made to pay.

Most teams figured chelsea out when they got Jorginho and took them out the game, same has happened in this tournment with Italy, They struggled against Austria and spain when Jorge is taken out the game.

Italy do have a much more experienced squad but they lack pace, Chellini was beaten so easily by avergae morata for pace.

Englands weak point is there MF and an unpredictable GK, otherwise they have had the best defence in the tournament as well as attack.

I did predict Italy to win it at the start of the tournament, but now i think englands pace will be to much for Italys aging defence and they will find it hard to counter with Maguire being colossal, Walkers recovery pace and Shaw in the form of his life, on the hand Immobile, insigne and Chiesa are not the fastest of attackers either, they will find it hard to counter and at the same time they will tire quickly defending against them.
 
Home advantage could prove crucial and it will need a strong referee as the likes of Kane and Stirling are pretty clever at winning free-kicks.

I think Italy will just have the edge over England.
 
PetroDollars said:
Pep was arrogant, over confident and silly in that final and he was made to pay.

Most teams figured chelsea out when they got Jorginho and took them out the game, same has happened in this tournment with Italy, They struggled against Austria and spain when Jorge is taken out the game.

Italy do have a much more experienced squad but they lack pace, Chellini was beaten so easily by avergae morata for pace.

Englands weak point is there MF and an unpredictable GK, otherwise they have had the best defence in the tournament as well as attack.

I did predict Italy to win it at the start of the tournament, but now i think englands pace will be to much for Italys aging defence and they will find it hard to counter with Maguire being colossal, Walkers recovery pace and Shaw in the form of his life, on the hand Immobile, insigne and Chiesa are not the fastest of attackers either, they will find it hard to counter and at the same time they will tire quickly defending against them.
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I am glad you have finally moved on from “Sterling is England’s weak point and they cannot win with him”.
 
Pakistani residents have no affliliation with England thus should be ignored in relation to the ground realities of England.
 
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I really, really hope England win.

Final at Wembley, two of England’s greats Kane and Sterling are in the primes of their career.

Plus young players like Grealish, Foden, Saka, Sancho, Mount etc. will get a huge confidence boost from winning a trophy with England at this stage of their careers.

It is the perfect occasion and setting for England to win a long-awaited trophy.
 
KingKhanWC said:
You went for Denmark last match.

I think you should support England from now on. Please listen to Its coming Home on youtube to get into the mood. :)
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I was hooked to that song for the past week but now I'm over it. Forza Italia all the way :misbah3
 
On paper, Italy is a better team but they are missing Spinazzola so it's finally coming home unless Sterling bottles which he has a knack of.
 
Mamoon said:
I am glad you have finally moved on from “Sterling is England’s weak point and they cannot win with him”.
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Sterling is a weak point in England based on how he fluffs chances and missed a sitter against denmark which could have proved costly, but based on his stats he deserves to start.
 
Depends which Italy turns up.

Stupendously awesome Italy (vs Belgium, vs Wales): Italy win.

Quite good but also slightly lucky Italy (vs Spain): game is 50-50.

Scrappy, dodgy and ordinary Italy (vs Austria): England win.


So I have no idea really. Lol

Excited though! :)
 
The image of a crying Gianluigi Buffon filled the pages of nearly every newspaper in Italy.

On 13 November 2017, the country shaped like a football boot could not score a goal against Sweden to qualify for the World Cup.

It was more than a national tragedy - it was labelled as the apocalypse. On the cover of Italy's famous pink paper, Gazzetta dello Sport, the headline simply read: "The end."

Italians were inconsolable, embarrassed and frankly not too surprised. When the names of the squad were announced in San Siro on that fateful evening, Italians booed when it came to coach Giampiero Ventura.

There was no rhythm to Italy's game, only a bunch of individuals doing all they could to avoid the shame of not qualifying. The public hated the team and their football association, but they particularly hated the coach.

As another paper, La Repubblica, noted, "the apocalypse bore a blue hue" - the colour of the Azzurri - for Italy were unable to find one "miserable goal" against "a poor Sweden, embarrassing on a technical level yet proud in its resistance".

Questions were asked about how such a proud footballing nation could fall so far. Who could resuscitate this blue beast? Carlo Ancelotti was the man everyone wanted. Roberto Mancini was who they got.

Mancini was a fine footballer and a successful coach who had won in different countries and created strong teams, yet he was a divisive figure.

As a footballer, his attitude was questioned relentlessly. He fought with everyone and against everything, and when he scored for Italy in 1988, his celebrations conveyed anger more than joy. He had to be held back by his team-mates from gesturing offensively at those in the press box who ever dared question him.

He was hardly a bad choice considering his successful coaching history, but was he going to make Italy dream again? The way Ancelotti would perhaps have managed?

When Gazzetta dello Sport reported Mancini's thoughts on the potential winner of the 2018 World Cup before underlining his plans for the Italian side, one solitary reader comment lay underneath the piece: "We're not going to the European Championship with you either."

Fast forward three years and Italy are not only in the Euros, but finalists.

They have been arguably the best team in the tournament, and Italian broadcasters, newspapers, pundits and ex-footballers are falling over themselves to unearth new superlatives to describe the magic of Mancini, the beauty of this team and the remarkable effect this has all had on unifying the country.

Giving 35 players their debuts and focusing his efforts on playing fluid football with an emphasis on highlighting the attacking flair within his squad, Mancini chose to entertain. The 1988 Italian team that he was part of, and that was led by Azeglio Vicini, was similarly entertaining and also believed in youthful exuberance, perhaps inspiring Mancini to build something similar.

They act in accordance with the words of the Italian national anthem, the one Giorgio Chiellini and co bellow like their lives depend on it: "Brothers of Italy, let one flag, one hope gather us all. The hour has struck for us to unite."

Brotherhood is the very theme of this Italian side. At a time of social and economic despair, the country needed football to bring back the joy in these hard times, especially after the pandemic.

Among all those debutants were kids who were given a chance, some of whom had yet to even make their debuts for their own clubs. But by growing together and facing challenges as a unit, they forged bonds, memories and stories that have enthralled a nation and allowed us to forget our troubles - for a short time at least.

When Italy overcame Spain in the semi-finals, Lorenzo Insigne ran to get Leonardo Spinazzola's jersey, holding it close to him as every member of the Italian group joined him to sing Spina's name and dedicate their victory to him. His tears as he was carried away against Belgium after a troubling injury were felt deeply by the nation and every player, who spent their return journey consoling Spina, a player who has been relentlessly plagued by injuries in his stop-start career.

Matteo Pessina speaks of the barbecues after the games, the oven the Italian chef bought over to make his special pizza, and the memories this group is creating. But Italy might just be a little more in love with those in the technical area.

There you find Mancini and Gianluca Vialli, brothers of Italian technique and scorers of the most delectable of goals at Sampdoria in the 1990s. They, alongside so many of their Blucerchiati team-mates, preside over this bunch and their bond has only grown stronger, despite the many battles each one has faced in his life - none more challenging than the cancer Vialli fought for so long.

Their warm embrace after Federico Chiesa scored against Austria had many Italians shedding a tear. That one moment of humanity reminded the country of just how much they have faced in recent times and how many souls have been lost to a pandemic of which their country was the epicentre. But they have come through it, as hopefully we all will.

Italy are officially in love, and for a brief moment in time the country is enraptured by its most beloved sport. Articles upon articles have been dedicated to this team, from noting the youngsters' plights to becoming professionals to crediting their mothers who sacrificed so much to allow them to pursue their careers.

Mancini himself left home at 13 to pursue football. "He called home 10 times a day," his mum explained to Corriere della Sera. Did he need anything? "No mom, I just need to hear your voice, to know how you are."

Spina's mum recalled how her son suffered an injury at 14 and just wanted to come home. "Think about it," his mum whispered. Luckily, Spina listened.

Everything from their Armani suits to their superstitions have been well documented. Francesco Acerbi, who himself battled cancer twice, has to get on the bus on matchdays first. Gianluigi Donnarumma has to be the last.

As for Vialli - on their way to the match against Turkey, the bus left without him, only for the squad to realise a few moments later. The bus stopped, allowing him to catch up and finally get on. Since then, they simply have to repeat the process before every game. It's now a ritual.

From the mini-series Il Sogno Azzurro, which curiously followed the creation of this Italian side, to the hundreds of other programmes dedicated to the national team, it's safe to say the boos have been replaced by cries of joy.

Italy versus Spain in the semi-final secured nearly 20 million viewers, making it the 35th most-viewed event ever in Italy. According to the Italian FA, the 50 most-viewed TV programmes are all football matches and 46 involved the Azzurri. Does that start to paint a picture of just what calcio - football - means to Italy?

According to one Italian fan at Wembley, football is everything. "It's God, family and calcio." The Holy trinity.

BBC
 
Leonardo Bonucci says Italy "are not afraid" to contest the Euro 2020 final on English soil.

"Even though there will be a mostly English crowd, it will give us additional motivation," Bonucci said.

As many as 1,000 Italian fans will be allowed inside Wembley to watch the game.

Juventus defender Bonucci, 34, will line up alongside 36-year-old centre-back partner Giorgio Chiellini to face an England team with an average age of 25.

"They have very strong attackers, we will need great attention towards them and the whole team," he said.

"We know the difficulties they can give us and we will have to be careful about their speed."
 
Millions of flying ants have been detected by radar over London and the South East - and some of the bugs could swarm to Wembley which hosts the Euro 2020 final on Sunday.

There is no single "flying ant day" - but rather a period of time between June and September when conditions are right for the critters to mate during flight.

And the Wembley final between England and Italy is now firmly within this interval.

Adam Hart, professor of Science Communication at the University of Gloucestershire and a fellow of the Royal Entomological Society, told Sky News that today's swarms were just the beginning of the season for this year's ants.

SKY
 
James said:
Depends which Italy turns up.

Stupendously awesome Italy (vs Belgium, vs Wales): Italy win.

Quite good but also slightly lucky Italy (vs Spain): game is 50-50.

Scrappy, dodgy and ordinary Italy (vs Austria): England win.


So I have no idea really. Lol

Excited though! :)
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Also depends on which England turn up

The ones that need some luck (vs Croatia)
The ones that are clueless against hard working low blocks (Scotland)
The ones that control the game but cant score (vs Denmark, Cz)
The ones that are Awesome and Sensational (vs Germany, Ukraine)
 
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57790023

England midfielder Phil Foden could miss Sunday's Euro 2020 final against Italy with a foot injury.

The 21-year-old is a doubt to face the Azzurri after missing the team's final training session at St George's Park.

"He's got a fairly minor foot injury," said manager Gareth Southgate.

"But it's just whether it's going to be one that clears up in time for him to be able to take part in the game, so we'll have to assess that again later."

Manchester City playmaker Foden started England's first two group games before being replaced by Bukayo Saka against the Czech Republic for the Group D decider.

He came on in extra time against Denmark as the Three Lions reached their first men's major tournament final in 55 years.
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Italy vs England UEFA EURO 2020 final

One thing which I know is that, in Italy, England have found probably the most capable team of Europe, if not of the entire world, who can challenge them in a big game in front of their hostile crowd. This highly talented Italian team is fully capable of withstanding the pressure of the big stage, coupled with behaviour of the crowd. Their football culture is such that I've rarely seen them being bothered by such off the field stuff. Given how the England supporters have been throughout the tournament, not even sparing the national anthems of the oppositions from their booing, most of the other teams would've wilted under pressure.

However, what we can't forget is that this will be Italy`s most testing opposition too. This English team is full of surprises and you should never put it beyond them that another surprise could be on its way tomorrow. They've had great momentum going into the Final and must be really enjoying the support of the home crowd. The key for Italy would've to be to try to starve England of ball possession and to slowly down their spirit which they'll be full of in the initial half an hour or so, seeing their supporters etc. Italy will have to play the game of patience.
 
Italy vs England UEFA EURO 2020 final

I just get this strong feeling that if England score first, it'll happen a bit early in the match. However, if Italy score first, then it'll be past the 50th minute of it.
 
Italy already played there final v Spain theyr just going to go through the motions on Sunday any other team on the planet Spain would have ripped apart, but this Italian team have plan B C.

Eng won’t create half the chances Spain did.
 
AAli98 said:
Italy already played there final v Spain theyr just going to go through the motions on Sunday any other team on the planet Spain would have ripped apart, but this Italian team have plan B C.

Eng won’t create half the chances Spain did.
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But the real question is, did Gli Azzuri peak to soon? Will their 33 match win streak come to an end at the wrong time?
 
AAli98 said:
Italy already played there final v Spain theyr just going to go through the motions on Sunday any other team on the planet Spain would have ripped apart, but this Italian team have plan B C.

Eng won’t create half the chances Spain did.
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It wont be an open game as agaisnt Spain, finals rarely are.

If it was in any other country, Italy strong favourites but Wembley is a monster when nearly full.

The team which handles the presssure best will come out on top.

My prediction.

1-1 after 90 mins.

Have no clue what may happen after. :)
 
The team that controls the midfield will win. Italy have Hugh strength there but was over run by a very talented Spanish midfield and hence were lucky. I feel philips and Rice Mount lack the technical quality to control the Italian midfield and I can see a long night for England unless Raheem sterling comes to the rescue again.
 
England are one win away from a first major trophy since 1966 but standing in the way of the Three Lions and European glory is a revitalised and vibrant Italy.

While Gareth Southgate's side enjoyed a successful run in the 2018 World Cup, narrowly losing to Croatia in the semi-finals, this is Italy's first appearance in a major tournament since the 2016 European Championship.

The World Cup in Russia was the first time Italy had not qualified for a major tournament in 60 years but, since Roberto Mancini took over in 2018, they have gone 33 matches unbeaten and are in the 2020 Euro final.

Here is everything you need to know about key figures in this Italy side.

Mancini took charge of Italy in 2018, six months after they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup under Gian Piero Ventura.

They have since blossomed and are on a 33-match unbeaten streak dating back to September 2018.

A stylish forward in his playing days - which included four goals in 36 Italy appearances over a decade - the always impeccably-dressed Mancini has become an icon from the touchline.

Italy have won 28, drawn eight and lost only two under the former Man City boss, while also breaking their own international record of going 19 hours without conceding before Austria scored against them in the last 16.

Italian football has traditionally been associated with miserly defending and a reluctance to play expansively, even when a game is won. Until this summer, Italy had never scored more than two goals in a European Championship match, despite winning the competition once and twice finishing as runners-up.

In this tournament, however, adopting Manini's new adventurous style of play they won their first two games 3-0 against Turkey and Switzerland blowing both teams away with vibrant performances full of attacking intent.

You never have to look too far though for signs of that old Italian art of defending to be in evidence.

Chiellini the warrior

Giorgio Chiellini has nailed the art of defending next to Leonardo Bonucci and the 36-year-old skipper brings immense experience to an otherwise youthful Italy squad, after 17 years and 111 caps for Italy.

Two World Cups, two European Championships, retirement, a comeback from retirement, a Luis Suarez bite, a new anterior cruciate ligament and a Jordi Alba bear hug later, Chiellini leads Italy into the 2020 Euro final.

Hopefully Harry Kane likes hugs and is not psyched out by Chiellini's calm character filled with humour, smiles and playful punches.

And, while this is undoubtedly a more adventurous Azzurri than previous Italian sides, there have been signs of their old tricks and defensive mastery as the tournament has progressed - very much led by Chiellini.

The Juventus centre-back loves nothing better than defending. His roars and high fives to celebrate a headed clearance or a big tackle have been as evident as his cheerleading role has among the players and supporters.

He played for Italy under-21s in the first official game at the new Wembley 15 years ago - refusing to leave the field after receiving a head wound - and England will know that, to beat the new Italy at Wembley on Sunday, they will have to get past one of the most cunning, determined and finest defenders of the past 20 years.

Former England striker Alan Shearer told the BBC after Italy's quarter-final win over Belgium: "The Italians had to use all of their know-how and experience in that last 10 or 15 minutes. The two old guys at the back were brilliant."

Chiesa becomes timeless

Federico and Enrico Chiesa have become the first father and son to score in the European Championship, but where Enrico's Italy did not get out of the group stage of the 1996 Euros, Federico is looking to go all the way to glory.

At 23, Juventus' Chiesa has emerged as a nation's favourite, scoring two goals this tournament so far including a superb curler against Spain in the semi-final, already half of his father's international goal tally.

Gareth Southgate is more than familiar with Chiesa senior - after clashing with him in Italy's goalless draw with England in Rome in 1997, which secured World Cup qualification for the Three Lions.

This time around Southgate will have to watch from the touchline unable to make that thunderous tackle that upset Enrico so much and hope that Chiesa doesn't score against his England on Sunday.

Donnarumma the free agent

In 2016, Gianluigi Donnarumma became the youngest player to be called up for the Italian national team since 1911 at 17-years-old.

He also became the youngest player to play for the national team after being subbed on for Gianluigi Buffon later that year against France.

Donnarumma had big shoes to fill after 176-cap, World Cup winner Buffon's retirement, but the 22-year-old has not disappointed since becoming Italy's number one keeper.

Not only has the Italian keeper conceded just three goals in six matches this tournament, but he paved the way to the final after saving Alvaro Morata's penalty in the semi-final shootout against Spain.

The Italian has been with AC Milan since he was 14, but Donnarumma is a free agent this summer and, after an impressive 2020 Euro display, he won't be short of offers with Paris St-German heavily tipped to sign him.

Lorenzo Insigne had to prove his small stature did not affect his footballing abilities after being told time after time that he would not get to the top because of his size.

A young Insigne was about to give up on his footballing dream after countless rejections, before finally being given his big chance by Napoli at 15, where he still plays now 15 years later.

Insigne stands at 5ft 3in and luckily for him, due to Covid, mascots are not allowed to walk out with the team anymore saving him from being paired with the tallest mascot and another social media meme...

Though he will not win headers against John Stones and Harry Maguire, Insigne can dance through a defensive line and curl the ball in at the far post without breaking a sweat - as he did against Belgium in the quarter-final.

BBC
 
Football-mad Italians gear up for big night

"Do the English really put pineapple on pizza?" asks the Italian daily La Repubblica in a piece by its London correspondent. "Rarely," it concludes, "but the real problem is adding cream to spaghetti carbonara."

Sunday's Euro final is not just a clash of sport, but of cultures.

"The thing about us Italians is that we are a country of beauty," says the newspaper Corriere della Sera. "We don't just score goals, we score beautiful goals." It adds: "There's no such thing as a badly-dressed Italian, just some Italians who aren't interested in dressing well."

But for all that divides these markedly different countries - few Italians rave about British cuisine, in case you were wondering - there are many similarities.

Football runs through the veins of both nations. While England have been waiting for international football glory since 1966, Italy last won a European title in 1968 and are also impatient for triumph (though two World Cup wins since, in 1982 and 2006, have eased the pain).

And both teams have been revolutionised by their managers, with Gareth Southgate and Roberto Mancini bringing in younger players and laying ghosts of the past to rest - England with its failure to reach an international final for decades and Italy with its non-qualification for the 2018 World Cup, labelled "an apocalypse" by the country's leading sports newspaper.

"Mancini is the central man of this Italian miracle," says Alvaro Moretti, the deputy editor of the daily Il Messaggero and its former sports editor.

"When he took over in 2018, he believed from the start that he would arrive at this point. He's very charismatic, he's very elegant. And he decided that his approach would be enjoyment, to bring happiness to the Italian team - and to the Italian people."

That is, perhaps, the overriding feeling in Italy as it watches gli Azzurri (the Blues) go into this final - joy. The first country in the West to be crushed by the Coronavirus pandemic, whose inundated intensive care units forewarned others of what was to come, has seen infection levels drop sharply so as to be able to lift most restrictions and for Italians to watch their team's triumphant performances in bars.

"I'm even happier about the rebirth of Italy than about the final itself," says Gianluca Santangeli, sitting in his newspaper kiosk in the Trastevere district of Rome.

"That people can go out without masks and watch it on big screens is a relief." As for his prediction? "I believe in fate," he says. "But I think Italy should play our classic tactics: strong defence and counter-attack, since we're facing a good England team at home."

The match has, of course, split loyalties among the many Anglo-Italian couples, including Elisa Sandri, who lives in Brighton with her British partner but is currently back in Rome.

Enjoying a coffee with her old friend, Anna, she jokes that she's had the odd heated discussion over the match with English colleagues but with her partner, "we've been watching the games together and cheering for each other, so I think it'll be fine".

"In any case it'll be a win-win for me," she adds. "I just love the atmosphere here when Italy plays. Everyone comes together, cheers and hugs, you make new friends. I think England might win…but if it goes to penalties, they won't!"

Shopping for tomatoes at a nearby market, Morosina Zorzi has other concerns.

"The main thing I'm worried about is that my son's wedding is happening at the same time as the match," she says.

"He doesn't want a big screen at the reception, so I think the guests will be watching it on their phones - and I'm sure some of them will leave to go and watch it."

She admits she's not a football fan but says: "If Italy win I'll be happy because of the national spirit - though Rome will be a mess with all the partying."

This proud nation is sure of victory over England in most respects - beaches, food, fashion. But for football-mad Italians, a win tonight might just be the sweetest of all.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57783267
 
Planning to go to Wembley. Though I dont have any tickets but will take some videos of outside the stadium and post on my youtube channel to gather views :srini

Also, a word of caution...all tickets are sold out...so dont buy any ticket from anyone online. Lots of scam going on...its all over the twitter.
 
Sky Sports News can confirm reports Kieran Trippier will be recalled to England’s starting XI for the final, playing right back in a back 5.

XI: Pickford, Shaw, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier, Rice, Phillips, Mount, Kane, Sterling

amir1.jpg
 
Italy will win , their midfield will run the show

And Italy area very dirty team their 2 centre halves vastly experienced will deal with kane and sterling , there's no way England will have the attacking flair like Spain.

Plus Italian forwards strikers will be more of a test for the English defence than the Danes.

England have crowd advantage but there will be enormous pressure on them , and I think they will bottle it .

I want England to lose so the public wrath can then be unleashed on bojo , there's no way I want this euros to save his prime ministership cock up of cronyism, brexit and this covid pandemic . I want a summer of riots after this game and this goverment bought down .
 
Last edited:
Rajdeep said:
Planning to go to Wembley. Though I dont have any tickets but will take some videos of outside the stadium and post on my youtube channel to gather views :srini

Also, a word of caution...all tickets are sold out...so dont buy any ticket from anyone online. Lots of scam going on...its all over the twitter.
Click to expand...

Just be careful, English fans get very drunk and can behave like complete idiots theres a reason why everyone hates them on the continent .

If they lose I wouldn't wanna be a foreigner walking around these pubs and squares in London
 
Back 5 is the best way to go..England just need to avoid conceding and take the game as late as possible. If they keep it 0-0 till hour mark, they have a chance here.
 
mazkhan said:
Italy will win , their midfield will run the show

And Italy area very dirty team their 2 centre halves vastly experienced will deal with kane and sterling , there's no way England will have the attacking flair like Spain.

Plus Italian forwards strikers will be more of a test for the English defence than the Danes.

England have crowd advantage but there will be enormous pressure on them , and I think they will bottle it .

I want England to lose so the public wrath can then be unleashed on bojo , there's no way I want this euros to save his prime ministership cock up of cronyism, brexit and this covid pandemic . I want a summer of riots after this game and this goverment bought down .
Click to expand...

Yes Italians are the masters at performing in big games under pressure, also agree pressure will be hugh on england as the hosts.
 
Still not liking this defensive set up by Southgate.

Sure, if England can keep it tight, grab a goal and defend well it will be a genius move. But its very very risky against Italy who can score goals from anywhere. If Italy go 2-0 up, no coming back with this formation.
 
anything can happen in a final, will be cagey game, will take some magic from the flair players to unlock either defense. could go to either team, both teams have played really well. england have a lot of options if this game goes deep. the squad depth makes me think england shades this slightly.
 
Wing backs for England.

Shaw has been a surprise this tournament - solid defensively and good going forward, could be a key player for England.

Pretty sure England will target the Italian centre halves.
 
OldWarHorse said:
Italy had no legs come extra time against Spain so a major part of their game, ie. their intense press, wont last long but you just know that they will come tactically prepared for the finals. Will look to keep the ball as much as possible.

England have to play either Foden or Grealish and Henderson in CM to hold possesion. They'll end up chasing shadows otherwise.
Click to expand...
Rahim Sterling also has no legs. That’s why he is always tripping over by himself.
I hope the shameless Cheat will get a Red Card this time.

Where is the English gentlemen’s spirit in situations like the semi final against Denmark?
 
Shaw has been a surprise this tournament - solid defensively and good going forward, could be a key player for England.
Click to expand...

And there you go - 1-0
 
Italy are really missing Spinazzola who gave them a lot of the attacking impetus in their earlier games. They seem somewhat subdued since his loss.
 
Chiesa looks Italy's main threat, but England's midfield not giving the Italians any space at all.
 
England have done well and need to keep the pressure up. Last few mins Italy spread the ball better.

Keep them from scoring and nick the second once they commit as the time wears on.
 
Why this Sterling guys behaving like idiots. ,in 43 min he falls down on ground & one Italy player shaking hands but he refused to do it & showing angerness. Pathetic attitude
 
So far great for England. Had a few other chances to hit the target, should have been more than 1-0 up.

It will be a long 45 mins, England will defend deep, Italy will have 65%+ possesion. England can hang on but the more Italy pass the ball, the more chance of unlocking the defence.

Italy still in this.
 
Devadwal said:
Why this Sterling guys behaving like idiots. ,in 43 min he falls down on ground & one Italy player shaking hands but he refused to do it & showing angerness. Pathetic attitude
Click to expand...

Absolutely.

Childish behaviour from Sterling and a total lack of sportsmanship.
 
KingKhanWC said:
So far great for England. Had a few other chances to hit the target, should have been more than 1-0 up.

It will be a long 45 mins, England will defend deep, Italy will have 65%+ possesion. England can hang on but the more Italy pass the ball, the more chance of unlocking the defence.

Italy still in this.
Click to expand...

Agree, England need that second goal, Italy look a bit flat at the moment, but I think they will put more heat on in the second half. Could well see them getting an equaliser.
 
England falling deeper ...need Grealish on to hold onto the ball and win some fks atleast
 
Aye that's what you get for putting 10 men behind the ball and showing no ambition whatsoever.
 
That equaliser was coming.

Clever substitutions by Mancini.

Scrappy goal but they all count.
 
Terrific football by Italy. Dont see England winning this one...opposition is just too superior.
 
Markhor said:
Aye that's what you get for putting 10 men behind the ball and showing no ambition whatsoever.
Click to expand...

agree

Awful tactics in the last twenty minutes.
Five at the back with Kane giving it away every time...
Was only a matter of time..
 
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