Italy defeat England on penalties to win EURO 2020

Italy defeat England on penalties to win EURO 2020

The Italian national team has won the 2020 men’s European soccer championship against England, finishing out a strong season and stopping England from a would-be historic international win for the first time in over half a century.

Italy reached victory during a penalty shootout, scoring three goals to England’s two. The match was held at England’s home field of Wembley Stadium in London, a year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the tournament.

The drawn-out penalty shots came after 30 minutes of already extended time and a 90-minute match that left the game tied 1-1.

England led throughout the first half of the game, following an early goal from Luke Shaw, though the team lost their lead in the 67th minute after a crucial goal from Italy’s Leonardo Bonucci.

Italian goalie Gianluigi Donnarumma, 22, notably received the player of the tournament award, marking the first time a goalie has gotten the title. Donnarumma’s final save against England’s rising 19-year-old star, Bukayo Saka, led to Italy’s win.