During the final game against the English in the latter’s own terrace, Bukayo Saka’s saved penalty affirmed victory for Italy, who won an European Championship for the first time since 1968
England’s bid to end their 55-year wait for a major trophy ended in the natural misery of rout in a penalty shootout as Italy guaranteed the Euro 2020 crown at Wembley.
On an evening of expectation, strain and extreme grievousness in a hot climate, England looked on course for their most cheerful day since 30 July 1966 when Luke Shaw gave them the ideal start after just two minutes.
Italy, unbeaten in 33 matches before this final, gradually edged their direction back into the game and were level in the 67th minute when Leonardo Bonucci jumped after England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford turned Marco Verratti’s header on to a post.
During the penalties, it was a terrible disappointment for England coach Gareth Southgate and his players, who had gone into this final on a rush of assumption and high feeling. They deplorably lost the final to the Azzuris.
The one who has been in charge for these astounding long periods of winning is Roberto Mancini, who took over Italy’s lead trainer job after it failed to meet all requirements for the 2018 World Cup, just the second time that had happened in the country’s history. Since September 2018, Italy has ceaselessly dominated every one of their matches.
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In spite of the fact that Italy has positively continued onward from the unbending defensive style, the national team has gotten inseparable from throughout the long term, which is obviously a statement of renaissance, as opposed to an absolute revolution.
In the Euro 2020 competition, Italy has substantiated itself fit for playing a considerably more attacking and energizing brand of football than previously – when they were known to be defensive.
Interestingly, 34-year-old Bonucci, who was awesome for Italy in the final game and deservedly won the man of the match award, is the oldest player to score in an Euro Final.
The vast energy of likes of Leonardo Spinazzola, who unfortunately capitulated to an Achilles injury in the quarterfinals, and Manuel Locatelli promptly made Italy quite possibly the most dreaded team at Euro 2020.
Italy additionally boasts of an exciting group of talented youngsters, headed up by Federico Chiesa and player of the tournament Gianluigi Donnarumma, which will give Azzurri fans hope that this team can continue to compete for major international trophies for the foreseeable future.
In his Euro 2020 squad, Mancini seemed to find the perfect balance between veteran experience and youthful exuberance, with young stars such as Locatelli, Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella and Matteo Pessina already proving they can handle the pressure on the biggest stage.
In this tournament, Italy fought, exulted and rejoiced. And it’s everyone’s team and driven from true feelings. Mancini, actually changed the mentality, the game, the perspective of the Italian team to make it unique. In fact, he predicted a win before the final.
Italy won the trophy after 53 years and took the last ball to Italy a day after Sunday’s final.
