The 2020 Euro Championship finally draws its curtains as Italy defeat England 3-2 on tie breakers at Wembley after the game ending 1-1 after extra time.
Luke Shaw had given the hosts the lead just two minutes into the game in what was a frantic start where the hosts dominated for most parts. Italy slowly grew into the game in the later stages of the first half and equalised throughLeonardo Bonucci who slotted home a rebound from close range in the 67th minute of the game. The equaliser gave Italy a lifeline as the Azzurri pressed on for the winner in the closing stages of regulation time but failed to find their way past a very disciplined English defence.
The tie was finely poised going into extra time but neither of the two teams managed to get on the scoresheet again as the game went to tie breakers. Berardi, Bonucci, and Bernardeschi scored for Italy before Rashford’s spot kick clipped off the upright and Donnarumma saved England’s last two penalties from Sancho and Saka to give the title to the Azzurri.
Also read: Can Italy upset the favourites and win the Euros this summer?
The European Championship for the Azzurri sees them complete full circle with Mancini who took over the reins at Italy on the back of their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. For England, a repeat of 1966 wasn’t meant to be as England’s wait for their second silverware continues.
So, who went home with the individual accolades this summer?
Player of the Tournament: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy
Azzurri’s outstanding 22 year old between the sticks, Gianluigi Donnarumma, was named Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament. The impressive youngster clocked up an impressive 719 minutes in the tournament, more than any other player. Donnarumma also kept 3 clean sheets in the tournament and was at hand to save two penalties against England in the final to hand the title to the Azzurri.
Golden Boot: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Despite exiting the competition in the last 16, Ronaldo’s 5 goals and one assist in the group stages was enough for the 5 time Ballon d’Or winner to take home the golden boot of the tournament. His 5 goals in this summer’s European Championship also put him at the top of European Championships all time high scorer chart with 14 goals.
Young Player of the Tournament: Pedri, Spain
There’ll never be another Xavi or Iniesta in the Spanish midfield but Pedri’s performances in the Euros this summer will be a cause of huge hope for La Rojas. The 18 year old sensation was a revelation for Spain and played with an aura and confidence that preceded his age and experience. The Spaniard walked away with the deserved Young Player of the Tournament award.
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