Italy Vs England: Euro 2020 Final Full Match Highlights

The Euro 2020 final between Italy and England was more than just a game; it was a rollercoaster of emotions, a clash of titans, and a moment etched in football history forever. For those who lived through it, the memories are vivid. For those who missed it, or simply want to relive the drama, let’s dive deep into the full match highlights of this epic encounter.

The Buildup: Expectations and National Pride

Before the whistle even blew, the atmosphere was electric. Wembley Stadium was a sea of white and red, with England fans buzzing with anticipation. After decades of hurt, football was finally coming home – or so they hoped. England, under the guidance of Gareth Southgate, had carefully navigated their way through the tournament, showcasing a blend of tactical discipline and youthful exuberance. Key players like Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and a solid defensive unit had given the nation genuine hope.

On the other side, Italy, led by Roberto Mancini, had quietly rebuilt themselves into a formidable force. After the heartbreak of missing the 2018 World Cup, the Azzurri had embarked on an impressive unbeaten run, displaying a brand of attacking football that was both beautiful and effective. Veterans like Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci brought experience and steel, while young stars like Federico Chiesa and Niccolò Barella injected pace and creativity. The Italian fans, though fewer in number at Wembley, carried their own passionate belief, eager to see their team reclaim their place among Europe's elite.

The narrative was perfectly set: England, the young lions seeking to end their trophy drought on home soil, against Italy, the seasoned warriors looking to restore their past glory. The stage was set for a final that promised drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments.

First Half: England's Early Lead and Italy's Response

The match exploded into life within the first two minutes. England won a free-kick, and Luke Shaw, with a thunderous half-volley, sent Wembley into absolute delirium. The stadium erupted as the ball nestled into the net, giving England the dream start they had craved. The early goal not only settled English nerves but also forced Italy to immediately adjust their game plan.

England, buoyed by the early advantage, pressed forward, looking to capitalize on their momentum. Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane were a constant threat, causing problems for the Italian defense. However, Italy gradually began to find their rhythm, stringing together passes and asserting their control in midfield. Jorginho and Marco Verratti, the heartbeat of the Italian team, started to dictate the tempo, and Italy began to create chances.

As the first half progressed, Italy's pressure mounted. Lorenzo Insigne, with his quick feet and trickery, caused problems for the English defense, while Ciro Immobile worked tirelessly upfront. Despite Italy's growing dominance, England remained resilient, defending stubbornly and looking to hit on the counter-attack. The first half ended with England holding onto their slender lead, but with Italy clearly gaining the upper hand.

Second Half: Italy's Dominance and the Equalizer

The second half saw Italy come out with renewed purpose. They pressed England higher up the pitch, disrupting their build-up play and forcing them onto the back foot. The Italian midfield, led by Jorginho and Verratti, completely controlled the game, dictating the pace and direction of the attacks. England, on the other hand, struggled to get out of their own half, relying on sporadic counter-attacks.

Italy's relentless pressure eventually paid off in the 67th minute. A corner kick caused chaos in the England penalty area, and after a scramble, Leonardo Bonucci pounced, firing the ball past Jordan Pickford to level the score. The Italian fans erupted in celebration, while the English supporters were stunned into silence. The equalizer was a deserved reward for Italy's dominance and set the stage for a tense final period.

Following the equalizer, both teams battled fiercely for control. England, spurred on by the vocal home crowd, attempted to regain the initiative, but Italy remained solid and composed. Chances were few and far between, as both defenses stood firm. As the clock ticked down, the tension in the stadium was palpable.

Extra Time: Fatigue and Tactical Battles

With the score level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the match went into extra time. Both teams were visibly fatigued, and the pace of the game slowed considerably. The tactical battle intensified as both managers made substitutions, seeking to inject fresh legs and new ideas into their teams. England brought on Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford, while Italy introduced Federico Bernardeschi and Andrea Belotti.

Extra time was a cagey affair, with neither team willing to take too many risks. Chances were scarce, as both defenses remained organized and disciplined. The best opportunity fell to Italy, but Pickford made a crucial save to deny Bernardeschi. As the clock ticked down, it became increasingly clear that the match was heading towards a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout: Heartbreak and Glory

The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair, filled with drama and tension. Italy scored their first two penalties through Berardi and Belotti, while Kane and Maguire converted for England. However, Rashford then missed his penalty, hitting the post, giving Italy the advantage. Bernardeschi then scored for Italy, putting them on the brink of victory. Jadon Sancho then had his penalty saved by Donnarumma, meaning that if Jorginho scored, Italy would win the championship.

However, Jorginho's penalty was saved by Pickford, giving England a lifeline. But Saka, the young star, stepped up to take the crucial penalty, and Donnarumma saved it, crowning Italy as the champions of Europe. The Italian players and fans erupted in jubilation, while the English players sank to their knees in despair. The penalty shootout had delivered heartbreak for England and glory for Italy.

Conclusion: A Classic Final Remembered

The Euro 2020 final between Italy and England was a classic encounter that will be remembered for years to come. The match had everything: an early goal, dramatic twists and turns, tactical battles, and a nail-biting penalty shootout. Italy emerged as deserving champions, showcasing their resilience, tactical prowess, and unwavering belief. England, despite the heartbreaking defeat, proved that they are a team on the rise, with a bright future ahead. The full match highlights of this epic final will continue to be replayed and analyzed, as fans relive the drama and excitement of one of the greatest games in European Championship history. What a match! For Italy, it was a moment of redemption and a return to the summit of European football. For England, it was a painful lesson, but one that will undoubtedly fuel their determination to succeed in the future. The legacy of the Euro 2020 final will live on, inspiring future generations of footballers and fans alike.