Italy were crowned champions of Euro 2020 after a spirited England performance saw them come up short on penalties at Wembley.
After 120 minutes saw the sides finish level at 1-1, spot kicks were required – and it was the Italians who came out on top after the home side missed three spot kicks.
Domenico Berardi, Leonardo Bonucci and Federico Bernardeschi held their nerve as Roberto Mancini’s men took the title.
Jorginho had the chance to win it for Italy but Pickford got down to turn his spot-kick on to the post. However, Saka could not take advantage and his fifth kick for England was saved again by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
England had taken the lead inside the opening two minutes courtesy of a wonderful volley from Luke Shaw – his first goal for his country. The Three Lions dominated first half thereafter, keeping Italy at arm’s length throughout.
ITALY: ✅❌✅✅❌
ENGLAND: ✅✅❌❌❌
Italy grew into the game following a tactical change in the second half, and deservedly drew level courtesy Leonardo Bonucci.
ALSO READ: Euro 2020: Italy not afraid to face England at Wembley -Bonucci
Nothing could separate the sides until a dramatic penalty shootout, in which goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved young Bukayo Saka’s penalty to win the title for Gli Azzurri.
Italy have impressed from their very first game, a 3-0 win over Turkey in Rome. They went on to finish the group stages unbeaten, breezing to victories over both Switzerland and Wales.
The knockout stages kicked off with a nervy extra time win over Austria, but they returned to form in the quarter-finals. There, they beat Belgium 2-1 in what was one of the games of the tournament.
Next came a semi-final victory over Spain. Italy did it the hard way, struggling for 120 minutes before getting the job done on penalties thanks to some heroics from Gianluigi Donnarumma and Jorginho, who converted the winning spot kick with trademark composure.
ALSO READ: Euro 2020: Italy not afraid to face England at Wembley -Bonucci
Their victory over England came just three years after they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Roberto Mancini was appointed soon after that debacle and the former Manchester City boss has done an incredible job turning their fortunes around since.