Italy and England faced each other in the European Championship final on Sunday.
England took the lead with a second-minute shot from Luke Shaw, the fastest goal in a European finals. Italian centre-back Leonardo Bonucci equalized for his country in the 67th minute. After 90 minutes the score became 1:1, the same as after extra time. But finally Italy won 3-2 on penalties.
Italy is one of the most accomplished teams in the world and has ended a trophy drought of several years. England, on the other hand is in unexplored territory. It hasn’t even reached the final since 1966. The last of Italy’s four World Cup wins came in 2006 when defending player Chiellini made his international debut but did not take part in any match of the tournament. In the Euro championships the team was relatively unsuccessful with their only title in 1968. However, Italy have reached the final twice in recent years in 2000 and 2012, while England have been nowhere near.
With the pandemic restricting travel to London, only 66,000 spectators allowed at Wembley soccer stadium. Most of seats filled with England fans.
Final match players of both sides are following:
Italy XI: Donnarumma, Emerson, Jorginho, Barella, Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Veratti, Chiesa, Insigne, Immobile.
England XI: Pickford, Phillips, Shaw, Mount, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier, Rice, Sterling, Kane.
