Yes, I’m aware I’m one week late to the party.
Italy broke English hearts as they won on penalties to lift the EURO 2020 trophy at Wembley.
It was a night filled with tension, expectation and anticipation met from both sets of fans.
England started on the brighter side however, as Luke Shaw started and finished a counter- attack in sublime style after diverting Kieran Trippier’s cross past Donnarumma, kickstarting scenes of jubilation at Wembley.
While Italy were presented with more opportunities in the remaining 43 minutes of the first half, they lacked the cutting edge in the final third which was ever so needed in an important International match like this.
Italy came flying off the blocks in the second half however, as they created and missed a multitude of chances, until their iconic centre-half Leonardo Bonnuci stepped up.
Insigne’s corner was flicked on to the near post for Verrati who managed to head it toward goal, but Pickford managed to claw the header against the post. However, Chiellini pounced on the lose ball and managed to grab the equalizer, sparking scenes of ecstasy and pandemonium in the Italian crowd.
After a dull yet nervy exchange in extra-time, the game was to be decided by the nail-biting penalty shootout which England had a poor record at, especially in major tournaments.
Both Dominico Berardi and Harry Kane score their first penalties, before Andrea Belotti missed Italy’s second.
Harry Maguire then thumped the ball into the top-right corner to give England a 2-1 lead on penalties.
That was before Bonucci score Italy’s third, and Rashford’s effort from the spot hit the post.
Bernadeschi scored the fourth penalty for Italy, but Jadon’s Sancho had minimal power and wasn’t high enough such that Donnarumma was able to dive to his left to give Italy the 3-2 advantage on penalties.
Jorginho could have scored the decisive penalty but Pickford managed to save it, meaning 19-year old Bukayo Saka, in England’s most decisive sporting moment, stepped up.
It didn’t matter that he missed and won the EUROs for Italy- but his bravery and endurance to take the most decisive penalty, in front of more than 60 000 people at Wembley, and more than a million people watching from home.
He has a good career ahead of him and should he continue and persist with what he does best, he could become a star for Arsenal, which is something the club needs in their dire state.
Congratulations to Italy, but praise should go to Saka.
FootballFanatic 