London: It’s either coming home or is it going to Rome? That’s the question on everyone’s lips as the Euro 2020 final at the iconic Wembley Stadium will see two of the continental giants Italy and England lock horns for the ultimate glory. Both the sides had to go through a 120-minutes span in their respective semi-final clashes to secure their place for Sunday’s grand finale.
Italy have been in tremendous form in this tournament winning all their matches including their epic semifinal win over Spain in the penalty shootout. It was also their 10th competitive tournament final. On the other hand, history beckons England as they aim to pocket their first silverware in 55 years.
However, England’s semifinal win was marred by controversy following a green laser light on the face of Denmark goalie Kasper Schmeichel while he was taking a Harry Kane penalty shot.
Both sides have gone through a major revamp. After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the ‘Azzurris’ have risen from the ashes under coach Roberto Mancini, who completely changed the dynamics of the side.
With the emergence of their young generation, Italy are on a 33-game unbeaten run scoring 86 goals and conceding just 10. It’s quite surprising to see a side, known for their typical pragmatic approach to the game actually, adapted a modern-day fluid style of play.
England too have had their resurgence since their exit from the 2016 Euro. The ‘Three Lions’ under coach Gareth Southgate went to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and have been one of the teams to watch out in this tournament.
Although their start wasn’t convincing they have improved steadily as the tournament progressed showing their spirit and character. England mostly turned away from their sluggish outdated kick and rush style to acquire a possession-based counter-attacking game.
Head to head
The two sides have met 27 times with Italy winning 11 to England’s eight while the eight games have been draws. The last time these two clashed in this tournament was in 2012 When Italy beat England via a penalty shoot-out. In fact, Italy have never lost a game to the ‘Three Lions’ in a major tournament.
England will have a home advantage having won 15 of their last 17 matches at Wembley netting 46 goals in the process. They are also unbeaten in their last 12 games in all competitions. However, with the magnitude the fixture possesses, it should be an equal fight.
Team News
As far as the line-ups are concerned, both the sides might possibly opt for an unchanged starting XI. However, the change though for England might be between Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden depending on what kind of formation Southgate will go for.
The midfield duo of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips have been absolutely outstanding with the latter aiding in both areas of the pitch. The strong backline conceded a single goal and that too was in the last game with goalkeeper being already guaranteed the award for the best man between the posts irrespective of the result on Sunday with five clean sheets to his name.
Harry Kane after a scratchy start to the campaign was in full-flow in the knockout phase. Raheem Sterling will the key man to unlock the stubborn opposing backline while Kyle Walker will have to be careful against Lorenzo Insigne who will operate from the same flank. However, it will be interesting to see how the attackers deal with the Italian defensive wall.
For Italy, Mancini has plenty of options at his grasp with most of the squads having some amount of game time which can help a lot. It will be interesting to see whether he goes for Manuel Locatelli or Nicolo Barella. Emerson came in place of injured Leonardo Spinazzola offering the same service. Defender Leonardo Bonucci played all 120 minutes for Italy when these two last met in this tournament nine years ago.
Marco Verratti and Jorginho have brilliant in the middle of the park especially the former who is also a contender for the for the player of the tournament. His ability to hold possession and starting attacking move is second to none while being one of the toughest tacklers in the game as well.
Skipper Giorgio Chiellini will have work cut out against Kane and Sterling as the only weakness in the Azzuri backline is the pace. However, the positioning of both the centre-back is absolutely top notch.
Possible starting XIs
Italy: Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK), Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Leonardo Bonucci , Giorgio Chiellini, Emerson Palmieri; Nicolo Barella, Jorginho, Marco Verratti; Federico Chiesa, Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne
England: Jordan Pickford (GK), Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling; Harry Kane
