For the first time since 1968, Italy has won the UEFA European Championship. The Azzurri have brought home their first major title since winning the World Cup in 2006. Italy claimed the title defeating England in the final. Unfortunately, for England, the title drought continues.
Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is the tournament’s best player. Donnarumma registered a total of nine saves and kept three clean sheets. Donnarumma is the first goalkeeper to win the Best Player of the Tournament award for the Euro. England’s Jordan Pickford finishes the tournament with five clean sheets, the most for this tournament. In addition, Spain’s Pedri is the tournament’s best young player. The top scorers are Cristiano Ronaldo and Patrik Schick.
🏆 𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗜 𝗗’𝗘𝗨𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗔 🏆
🇮🇹 Congratulations Italy, EURO 2020 winners 🎉🎉🎉@azzurri | #ITA | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/62Ve8TMEFu
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 11, 2021
In 2017, Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup. Six months later, Roberto Mancini took over as manager. So far, under Mancini’s managing, the Azzuri have only lost twice and are now on a 34-game unbeaten streak. Furthermore, they haven’t lost a game in three years. No doubt, the future for Italy is bright and as European Champions, they’re now a favorite to win the World Cup next year in Qatar.
This loss truly is devastating for England. Failing to win the title on home soil at Wembley Stadium really stings. Furthermore, considering how deep England’s depth is and not being able to get the job done only rubs salt into the wound.
Gareth Southgate has taken responsibility for England’s failure. The entire team is to take responsibility, learn from it, and move on. At this point, Southgate is more than likely to stay in charge and lead his squad through the rest of the World Cup qualifiers and the tournament next year. The only thing England is to worry about now is booking their place in the World Cup. Same thing for Italy.
England and Italy resume their World Cup qualifying campaigns in September.
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