Italy won Euro 2020, defeating England at Wembley Stadium, London, England 3-2 on penalties after they drew 1-1 after extra time. As Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci said into the television camera at the 67th minute, celebrating his tying goal—“It’s coming to Rome!”
The match began awfully for Italy when a soft Kieran Trippier cross from the right side of the Italian box found Luke Shaw all alone at the opposite side of the box and the defender volleyed in from close range at the second minute to put England ahead.
For the remainder of the half, the match seemed to be going England’s way as the Italians only found a few chances created mostly by individuals as their collective efforts seemed to fall short most of the time.
In the second half, Italy found its mojo and began controlling the match and pressing for an equalizer. Italian striker Federico Chiesa by far the best player on the pitch.
At the 67th minute a corner kick from the right side of the pitch ended up in a melee in the middle of the box and Bonucci was the last to put a solid foot on the ball and send it to the back of the net. From there on in Italy seemed the more likely to score and win the match but the teams remained deadlocked through regular and extra time, reaching penalties.
In order, Italy’s Domenico Berardi and England’s Harry Kane took theirs perfectly 1-1. Then Andrea Belotti had his shot saved by Jordan Pickford while Harry Maguire put England ahead. But Leonardo Bonucci scored his and Marcus Rashford hit the post. With the sides tied, Federico Bernardeschi pulled Italy ahead and when Jadon Sancho had his shot saved, penalty specialist Jorginho stepped up to put the match away. But Pickford saved again giving England hope as Bukayo Saka walked up needing to score. His shot, though, was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma and Italy became Euro 2020 Champions.
Photo: Leonardo Bonucci,I 186333896 © Fabio Diena | Dreamstime.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.