The big day is here as England welcomes Italy to Wembley for the Euro 20 finals. This game is not just a celebration of football but a victory of the world overcoming a dreadful virus. While a full-strength Wembley is not on the cards, even 75% is a great deal.
England has had a good run to the finals after finishing on top of the table. They beat Croatia and the Czech Republic and drew to bitter rivals, Scotland. They then beat Germany 2-0 in the round of 16, thanks to goals from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane. A convincing 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine set up a semi-final tie against Denmark. It took extra time and a penalty but the Three Lions finally booked their place in the finals. Shouts of “It’s Coming Home” has been ringing louder than ever as England start their first finals in 55 years.
Italy has been the stand-out performer in this competition so far, playing an extremely interesting brand of football. They are disciplined off the ball and fluid in attack and will be up for the challenge set by Gareth Southgate’s men. The Azzurri won all their group stage games, scoring 8 goals and conceding none. A tough quarter-final against Belgium was decided by great goals from Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne. The semi-finals were not easy, to say the least, they beat Spain on penalties after playing out a 1-1 draw.
Italy vs England Match Facts
Date: 11th June (Sunday)
Time: 8 pm (BST)
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)
Italy Team News
Roberto Mancini is without Leonardo Spinazzola who has had an excellent Euros. The left-back had a cruel end to his great form as he suffered an Achilles tendon injury and had to be stretchered off. The Italians have a full-strength squad to choose from apart from Spinazzola.
22-year old Gianluigi Donnarumma will continue in goal, with the experienced duo of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini starting in centre-back. Emerson will replace Spinazzola in the left-back spot as Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo starts in right back.
The Italian midfield of Jorginho, Nicolo Barella and Marco Verratti has been excellent in this competition and they should all keep their spots. They have very good options on the bench too in Manual Locatelli, Matteo Pessina and Federico Bernardeschi. The front 3 of Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile and Federico Chiesa will continue upfront.
Predicted Lineup: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Emerson; Jorginho, Marco Verratti, Nicolo Barella; Federico Chiesa, Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne
England Team News
Phil Foden is a doubt after picking up a knock but should be fit enough to at least start on the bench. Gareth Southgate has a full-strength squad to pick from. He is most likely going to name an unchanged team even though they played 120 minutes against Denmark.
Jordan Pickford will keep his place in goal, with John Stones and Harry Maguire will start in their centre-back roles. Luke Shaw and Kyle Walker were excellent against Denmark and will keep their place on the flanks. Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips have started all of England’s games and that is not likely to change for this game.
Bukayo Saka has had an amazing Euros and will keep his spot on the right-flank over Jadon Sancho with Raheem Sterling starting on the left-wing and Mason Mount down the middle. Skipper, Harry Kane, will lead the line as he aims to win his first trophy.
Predicted Lineup: Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips; Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, Bukayo Saka; Harry Kane
Predicted Winner
As they say, form goes out the window for games like these. Form and team quality determines the outcome of a game. However, a final can be treated as a one-off game where grit and perseverance holds a lot of weight too. Both teams have a squad full of winners and great options off the bench who can influence the outcome. This can and will most definitely head to extra time for a nervy end to an amazing summer of football.
Predicted Scoreline: Italy 2-1 England (AET)
