Italy win, England lose it

Azzurri inflict penalty pain on Harry Kane’s men to emerge Euro 2020 champs but final is marred by clashes outside Wembley Stadium and racist attacks

 Italy wrecked England’s Euro 2020 party at Wembley on Sunday, winning the final on penalties to plunge the host nation into despair and prolong their 55-year wait to win a major title. 

Roberto Mancini’s men recovered from the shock of conceding the quickest goal ever in a European Championship final to equalise and held their nerve to claim a 3-2 shoot-out victory. It is the second time Italy have been crowned European champions and comes after the embarrassment of failing even to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. 

“We did well,” Mancini told RAI Sport. “We conceded a goal straight away and struggled, but then we dominated the game. The lads were wonderful, I don’t know what more to say. It’s important for all the people and all the fans. I hope they’re celebrating [in Italy].” 

Both teams took the knee before the whistle in a display of solidarity against racial injustice before England raced out of the blocks. 

England’s Harry Kane (left) consoles his wife Katie after the Euro final loss to Italy in London. Pic/AFP

Fastest final goal

Gareth Southgate’s team were ahead in just the second minute when defender Luke Shaw finished coolly at the back post after an inviting cross from the recalled Kieran Trippier. 

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a fine one-handed save from Federico Chiesa’s effort to preserve his side’s advantage with about half an hour to go. But minutes later they were level when Leonardo Bonucci scrambled the ball into the net from close range after England failed to clear. 

Normal time finished goalless despite a flurry of substitutions and the sides were still locked at 1-1 after extra time. Pickford saved spot-kicks from Andrea Belotti and Jorginho but Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all failed to find the net. 

“A few tears fell. We all deserved it, at this age we realise even more what it means to win such a trophy,” said Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini, 36. 

Worst feeling: Kane

England captain Harry Kane admitted his side’s penalty shoot-out defeat in the Euro 2020 final against Italy on Sunday was “the worst feeling in the world”. 

Southgate said it was his decision to put Arsenal teenager Saka as his team’s final penalty taker “I chose the takers,” Southgate told ITV. 

“I’m unbelievably disappointed not to go one step further. We decided to make the changes at the end of the game, but we win or lose together as a team.”

Also Read: Gareth Southgate: Racial abuse of Marcus Rashford and Co unforgivable

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No. of matches Italy have remained unbeaten since facing 2018 World Cup qualification humiliation 

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