Italy crowned the UEFA Euro 2020 final against England

Italy crowned the UEFA Euro 2020 final against England.

UEFA Euro 2020 Final: Italy won the European Championship for the first time since 1968 when Gianluigi Donnarumma saved two England penalties en route to a 3-2 win on penalties after the teams drew 1-1 in extra time at Wembley on Sunday.

The giant goalkeeper saved Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after Marcus Rashford hit a post, while Federico Bernardeschi, Leonardo Bonucci, and Domenico Berardi scored for the Italians.

Luke Shaw had given England a dream start with a magnificent goal in the second minute, but Italy, offering next to nothing in response in the first half, gradually took over as the hosts sat down and tied through Bonucci. after 67 minutes.

It was the first final to be decided on penalties since Czechoslovakia beat West Germany in 1976 and will be held in Italy after losing in the final in 2000 and 2012.

They did most of the race after halftime and into overtime, and England may have few complaints after their initial promise faded.

However, it was heartbreaking for most of Wembley’s 67,000 spectators, as England fell short in their first major final since winning the World Cup 55 years ago.

It was the first final to be decided on penalties since Czechoslovakia beat West Germany in 1976 and will be held in Italy after losing in the final in 2000 and 2012.

It had all started so well when Harry Kane extended the ball to Kieran Trippier and instantly restored coach Gareth Southgate’s faith by calling him out by sending a deep, curly cross that the speedy Shaw found on the half volley to hammer inside the post. for his first international goal.

England had taken an early lead in their 2018 World Cup semi-final against Croatia before finally being outmatched and defeated in overtime, but they did not appear to give up the lead at home, playing with their front foot, albeit without threatening. Donnarumma.

CRISP SHOT

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was similarly unproblematic, as Federico Chiesa’s crisp shot went wide and Ciro Immobile’s blocked effort was all Italy had to show for a disjointed half.

England’s well-trained defense, who had conceded just one goal, via a Danish free-kick, in their previous six games of the tournament, kept them at arm’s length and Italian frustration was summed up when center-back Bonucci let it fly wildly from 35 meters. with the last kick of the middle – much to the chagrin of his teammates.

Pickford was called into action after 57 minutes, blocking a shot from Lorenzo Insigne and then coming down to Chiesa’s palm as Italy began to apply pressure, pinning England down.

It paid dividends when Bonucci swooped in from close range after Pickford turned Andrea Belotti’s header into a post.

England could have no complaints, as they virtually invited their opponents and offered almost nothing in attack, and they would be somewhat relieved to go into extra time.

It was a similar story in the first additional 15 minutes, though England briefly forced their way back into the game in the second period, albeit without either side creating anything to reward the crowd for their waves of noise.

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