Italy win Euro 2020: Azzurri beat Three Lions on penalties 3-2 (a.e.t 1-1), lift 2nd Euro title

Italy win Euro 2020: Italy were crowned Euro 2020 champions as they beat England on penalties 3-2 (a.e.t 1-1) in the UEFA Euro 2020 Final on Sunday at Wembley.

Shaw’s first half goal was cancelled out by Bonucci as the game went to penalties. Pickford made 2 big saves to keep his side in the shootout.

Rashford hit the post and Donnarumma made big saves off Sancho and Saka which won the game for Italy.

The moment #ITA got their hands back on the European Championship after a 52-year wait 🏆@Azzurri | #ITVFootball | #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/kXMIfIaKam

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 11, 2021

FIRST HALF

Italy kicked off the half but were under the cosh within 2 minutes as England broke the deadlock to go 1-0 ahead.

The Three Lions broke on the counter where Kane made an immaculate cross-field pass for Trippier, who swung in a delicious cross for Shaw.

Luke half volleyed the ball first time past Donnarumma and netted his first international goal.

It was the perfect start for the Three Lions as Wembley went into delirium.

Mancini’s men struggled to find a way through England’s compact mid-field and grew frustrated.

England enjoyed a good spell of possession and kept Italy on the backfoot for the first 20-25 minutes.

But soon Italy picked up the pace, momentum and got more comfortable using short passes.

Chiesa had a good effort at the English goal but dragged it just wide after some good play.

Stones made an important block to deny Immobile’s first time shot.

Towards the end of the half, Italy was in better shape and had much more share of the ball.

With this, we reached half time with England leading 1-0.

Also read: WATCH: Luke Shaw’s perfect goal guide England to take 1-0 over Italy in first-half of Euro Final

SECOND HALF

Italy continued to dominate possession as England set deep in their own half.

The Italians seemed more motivated and kept the pressure on England.

Pickford was called into action as he made a good stop off Insigne’s tight angle shot.

England were second best for most of the start and just could not pose any pressure on the Azzurri.

Once again, Pickford got a strong hand to keep out Chiesa’s shot.

Italy restored parity as Bonucci scored and made it 1-1 .

Verratti’s header was saved by Pickford as he clawed it against the post. Bonucci was present for the follow up and poked home.

This was nothing less than what Italy deserved as they were consistent and kept knocking at the door.

Azzurri had their tails up as the men in Blue surged in search of the winner.

Chiesa was England’s nemesis as the Juventus mid-fielder pressed with energy and high skill.

But England managed to hold on for the rest of the half as extra time awaited.

Also read: Italy vs England: UEFA Euro 2020 Final – kick off time, Live Streaming, When & Where to Watch ITA vs ENG Live score, Teams, Prediction, Online Channel

EXTRA TIME

Italy continued from where they left off with England defending all out.

Southgate brought on the likes of Grealish, Sancho and Rashford but was all in readiness for penalties.

Two big penalty saves from the outstanding @JPickford1 in the shootout, but it wasn’t to be for @England in the end.

You’ve done us proud, lads! 💙 #EURO2020 #ENG pic.twitter.com/kscD2M6HnN

— Everton (@Everton) July 11, 2021

Italy won the penalty shootout 3-2 and crowned UEFA Euro 2020 Champions.

Pickford saved Jorginho and Belotti’s penalties.

Donnarumma saved Rashford, Sancho and Saka’s spot-kicks as Italy won their second Euro title.