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The Italian national soccer team won the second European Championship title in its history on Sunday night and at the same time prevented England from winning the first. In the final match in London, the “Squadra Azzurra” won 3:2 on penalties.
Luke Shaw’s opening goal 117 seconds into the match – the fastest ever in a European Championship final – was answered by Leonardo Bonucci’s equalizer in the 67th minute. Extra time was goalless, and in the penalty shootout three England players failed to score, including the specially substituted duo of Rashford and Sancho and Saka.
The clash between England and Italy was that of the most consistent teams of the past four and a half weeks. Both teams had qualified for the knockout stage in commanding fashion, also benefiting from home advantage – the respective group games were played in Rome and London. The final venue, London, was bursting at the seams on Sunday. The whole of England wanted to experience this soccer holiday in the capital. People from all parts of the country had made the pilgrimage here, although the police had called on people not to gather and to avoid large crowds. So much for the theory.
In practice, tens of thousands of people flooded the streets around Wembley Stadium in the early afternoon, and queues also formed in front of the pubs. In addition, there were already uncontrollable private gatherings in large groups. Virologists were already talking in advance about a “Superspreader Sunday”.
Exactly 117 seconds had elapsed before Shaw’s drop-kick found its way into the net for 1:0 – and the Squadra Azzurra were trailing for the first time in their seventh European Championship game. Italy needed some time for shock therapy, but then worked their way back into this game. Lacking pace and decisive passes, Chiesa’s long-range shot (35th) remained Italy’s best offensive action in half-time one.
Italy collected possession diligently, also because England increasingly wanted to manage the lead. Insigne (free kick 51st, from close range 57th) and Chiesa (62nd) came close to equalizing. Bonucci punished England’s passivity with the 1:1 (67th).
England’s drama from the spot
In extra time, England again intensified its efforts, wanting like Italy to avoid a penalty shootout, which ultimately had to bring the decision. Pickford initially saved Belloti’s second penalty, but England was unable to capitalize on this psychological advantage.
While Jorginho failed to score for the Italians, Rashford (23, pole), Sancho (21) and the 19-year-old Saka (each held by Donnarumma) missed for the Three Lions.
- source: die presse.at/picture: screenshot orf.at
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