Italy’s unbeaten 34-match winning streak in Europe continues as they defeated England in the final of Uefa European Championship (Euro 2020).
The match had to be decided on penalties as both sides could not be separated from 1-1 draw scored during regular time and even after extra time. Italy emerged winners when they converted their spot kicks to beat England 3-2.
Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved two England penalties.
Donnarumma saved from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka while Marcus Rashford hit the post. England goalkeeper had given the home team hope after saving Andrea Belotti’s penalty. But Italy won after Leonardo Bonucci, Domenico Berardi and Federico Bernardeschi found the back of the net for Italy.
Italy showed it’s dominance in the game with an overall possession of 62% compared to that of England’s 38%. England had slowed the game after their early goal. This gave Italy the ability to claw back into the game with convidence resulting in Bonucci equaliser.
It was the first final to be decided on penalties since Czechoslovakia beat West Germany in 1976. Wild celebrations began in earnest at Wimbley as if covering for the losses of the 2000 and 2012.
Luke Shaw head given England a superb start with a goal after 2 minutes, without being able to create many chances, Italy however gradually took command in the second half with an equalizing goal by Bonucci after 67 minutes.
The loss for England meant their search for a second major title after their 1966 World Cup, 55 years ago, and first European title continues.
For Italy, this is their second European title after 1968 and first major title since the 2006 World Cup win. This was their second final in the last three Euro editions.
This is a major disappointment for England as they have never been this close to a title the since 1996 World Cup. The Britons had allowed a crowed of about 60 000 fans to cheer them on, but alas, it was not their night.
In the history of the tournament, only thrice the home country has been able to win the tournament. In the Euro Cup 2016, the host France too lost the final against Portugal.
England remains without a major trophy since 1966.