EURO 2020: Italy crowned European champions after defeating England in penalty shootout

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Published: July 12,2021 10:40 AM
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This is Italy’s first major title win since their FIFA 2006 World Cup win against France. The last of Italy’s four World Cup victories was in 2006.

July 12, 2021: Italy on Sunday defeated England with 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out in the final encounter at Wembley Stadium and became the Euro 2020 champions.



The much-anticipated game ended in a 1-1 tie, and Italy won the shootout 3-2. English players Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and youngster Bukayo Saka missed penalty kicks as Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved two in a row to take his team to the title.



This is Italy’s first major title win since their FIFA 2006 World Cup win against France. The last of Italy’s four World Cup victories came in 2006, when Chiellini had already made his international debut but didn’t play at the tournament. But the team is a comparative underachiever in the Euros with its only title in 1968. Italy, however, has already reached the final twice in recent years — in 2000 and 2012.



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On the other hand, England were looking for their first European Championship trophy and their first major international football title since winning the FIFA World Cup at home in 1966. However, the Azzurri didn’t let that happen. It was a heart-wrenching loss for Harry Kane & Co and all the English fans in Wembley's attendance.