Italy won their second-ever Euro crown after overcoming England in a penalty shootout. The Azzuri won the shootout by a margin of 3-2 at the Wembley Stadium on the back of Gianluigi Donnarumma and Leonardo Bonucci’s heroics.
Gareth Southgate decided to employ a back three for the fixture, much like the one used in the Round Of 16 against Germany.
As a result, Bukayo Saka was demoted to the bench while Kieran Trippier was slotted in to play at right wing back.
Luke Shaw got England off to a dream start by scoring his very first goal at the national level. The left-back thumped in a half volley past Gianluigi Donnarumma’s near post off a cross by Kieran Trippier. The goal also marked the quickest goal in the history of the European Championship.
Italy tried to claw their back into the match, but had a hard time getting past the English defence. A menacing run by Federico Chiesa, who unleashed a shot off distance was The Three Lions’ biggest threat of the half.
The first half was highly physical with Italy claiming two-thirds of the possession. Jorginho suffered an injury scare midway through the period but was deemed fit enough to continue after a brief intervention by the medical team.
The Azzuri hit six shots in the first half while the hosts scored off the only shot they could manage.
Italy kept the pressure on England in the second half as well
Federico Chiesa came up with Italy’s best chance of the game after an hour of game’s play. The Juventus winger’s effort was saved by the Golden Glove winner Jordan Pickford.
Italy kept the pressure on and were rewarded for their sheer persistence. Leonardo Bonucci scored off a rebound and bring the scores to a level.
The corner brought in a sloppy shot from Marco Verratti. Pickford’s last-ditch save resulted in the ball hitting the post and deflect to Bonucci’s feet.
The teams headed into the penalty shootout after the scoreline remained 1-1 even after 2 hours of action.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka missed from the spot as England slid to a 3-2 defeat in the shootout. Berardi, Leonardo Bonucci, and Bernardeschi converted their kicks to hand Italy their second Euro win.
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