Italy won Euro 2020 tournament was an extraordinary feat that captivated football fans around the world. The competition, originally scheduled for 2020, was delayed by a year due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, when it finally took place, Italy emerged as the triumphant nation, showcasing exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork. In this article, we will explore the remarkable journey of the Italian national football team and how they clinched the Euro 2020 title. Going into this Euro 2020 England was favourites to win this 4/1, France with 13/2, Belgium – 5/1, Spain at 8/, Germany and Italy tied on 9/1.
Italy Group stages
In the group stages of Euro 2020, the Italian national team displayed an exceptional performance, winning all three of their matches and showcasing their prowess on the field.
In their first match against Turkey, Italy dominated the game, securing a convincing 3-0 victory. The goals came from a combination of an own goal by Demiral in the 53rd minute, followed by strikes from Immobile in the 66th minute and Insigne in the 79th minute.
The second match saw Italy continue their winning streak with a resounding 3-0 win against Switzerland. Locatelli was the star of the match, scoring twice in the 26th and 52nd minutes. Immobile added to the tally with a goal in the 89th minute, sealing a comprehensive victory.
Italy’s final group stage match was against Wales, and they maintained their impressive form, securing a 1-0 win. Pessina scored the lone goal of the match in the 39th minute, ensuring Italy finished the group stages with a perfect record.
Italy’s performance in the group stages of Euro 2020 was outstanding. They won all three matches, scoring a total of seven goals without conceding any. The team’s strong defensive play, clinical finishing, and cohesive teamwork were key factors in their success.
Italy vs Austria Round of 16
In the Round of 16 of Euro 2020, Italy faced a tough challenge against Austria in a match that went into extra time. The Italian national team showcased their resilience and determination, eventually securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
Austria took an early lead, with Kalajdžić scoring in the 11th minute. Italy responded with determination, pushing forward to find an equalizer. The match remained intense and tightly contested throughout the regular time, with neither team able to break the deadlock.
As the game entered extra time, Italy showed their quality and fighting spirit. In the 95th minute, Chiesa delivered a crucial goal, lifting the spirits of the Italian side and bringing the scoreline level. The momentum continued to shift in Italy’s favor, and in the 105th minute, Pessina found the back of the net, putting Italy in the lead.
Despite Austria’s efforts to equalize, Italy’s resolute defence held firm, ensuring their victory and progression to the next stage of the tournament.
Italy vs Belgium Quarter-finals
Italy took the lead in the 31st minute when Barella found the back of the net, giving his team a well-deserved advantage. However, Belgium swiftly responded, and just before halftime, Lukaku converted a penalty in the 45th minute to equalize.
Undeterred, Italy pressed forward and managed to regain their lead just before halftime. In the 44th minute, Insigne unleashed a fantastic strike, putting Italy ahead once again.
The second half saw both teams fighting tenaciously for goals, with Belgium aiming to equalize and Italy determined to maintain their lead. Despite Belgium’s efforts, Italy’s resolute defense held firm, denying their opponents any further goals.
With their exceptional teamwork and resilience, Italy successfully preserved their lead and emerged as the victors of the match, securing a place in the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
Italy vs Spain Semi- Finals
Italy faced Spain in a highly anticipated clash that went into extra time. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after the additional period, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout. Italy eventually emerged as the victors, winning the penalty shootout 4-2.
Italy took the lead in the 60th minute when Chiesa scored a well-executed goal, showcasing his individual brilliance. Spain, however, fought back and equalized in the 80th minute through Morata, setting the stage for a tense and closely contested battle.
With neither team able to find a winner in extra time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. Italy displayed composure and skill from the penalty spot, as Locatelli missed the target, but Belotti, Bonucci, Bernardeschi, and Jorginho all converted their penalties with confidence.
On the other hand, Spain had mixed fortunes during the shootout. Olmo missed the target, Gerard successfully converted his penalty, and Thiago also scored. However, Morata’s penalty was saved by the Italian goalkeeper, sealing Italy’s place in the final of Euro 2020.
Italy vs England Final
In the highly anticipated final of UEFA Euro 2020, Italy clashed with England in a match that captivated fans around the world. The encounter showcased the best of European football, as both teams sought to claim the prestigious title.
The match took place at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London, England, adding an extra layer of significance to the occasion. The atmosphere was electric, with passionate supporters from both nations filling the stadium and creating an unforgettable backdrop for the final.
Luke Shaw scores in the first 3 minutes of the game. England scored really early. The game became a tightly contested battle, with both Italy and England displaying their tactical prowess and skill on the pitch. Italy dominated possession in the first half, England seemed to give up the ball and started to defence deep, dropping off to regroup and allowing Italy to walk to the half way line.
However, Italy, renowned for their resilience, refused to concede defeat. They responded admirably, applying relentless pressure on the English defense. In the 67’th minute, their efforts paid off when Leonardo Bonucci scored a crucial equalizer, sparking jubilation among the Italian supporters.
With the scores level at the end of regulation time, the match proceeded to extra time. Both teams continued to battle tirelessly, seeking a decisive goal that would tilt the balance in their favor. However, neither side could find the back of the net during the additional period, leading to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
In the penalty shootout, Italy once again showcased their expertise from the spot. Their players displayed composure and precision, converting their penalties with confidence. Meanwhile, England experienced heartbreak as they missed several crucial spot-kicks. Italy emerged as the victors, winning the penalty shootout and securing the coveted title of UEFA Euro 2020 champions.
Italy tactics during Euro 2020
Defensively, Italy adopts a 4-3-3 or 3-3-1-3 structure with a narrow backline and Jorginho as the midfield anchor. They limit central passing options by occupying the half-spaces with players like Locatelli/Verratti and Barella. Insigne and Berardi focus on providing wide passing options for quick counter-attacks. Italy targets the space between the opposition centre-backs and fullbacks when regaining possession. Despite their possession-based approach, Italy is adept at winning the ball back quickly. Chiellini and Bonucci’s experience is trusted in defence, while Bastoni and Toloi may not fit seamlessly into Italy’s system. Mancini is expected to rely on the established defensive partnership that has brought Italy to Euro 2020.
In the midfield, Italy’s attacking structure becomes evident as play progresses from the first third to the middle third of the pitch. One of the fullbacks, likely Florenzi, ventures forward while the other, such as Spinazzola or Acerbi, remains in a defensive position. The central defenders adjust their positioning to cover the side vacated by the attacking fullback.
Jorginho assumes the role of the deepest midfielder among the expected three. He orchestrates the transition from defense to attack, maintaining possession alongside his midfield partners, and also contributes to breaking up opposition attacks. Locatelli or Verratti occupies the left side of the midfield trio, with the freedom to drift centrally, akin to a traditional number 10 player.
Barella fulfills a similar role to his position at Inter, operating as the right half-space number 8. His responsibility is to connect play between the right-sided forward and fullback, creating overloads in the defending team’s left side.
Insigne and Berardi, both inverted wingers for their respective clubs, typically start on the side that favours their weaker foot. However, their versatility allows them to play on either flank of the forward line, frequently switching positions throughout the match.
In the final third, Italy’s attacking shape comes into focus. Florenzi joins the forward line, while Jorginho plays a pivotal role in possession recycling. Locatelli/Verratti advance in the left half-space, Barella stays in the right, and Florenzi adds width on the right side. Immobile and Berardi engage the central defenders, and Insigne makes penetrating runs. This structure allows Italy to overload the opposition’s left side and maintain possession. With talented options on the bench like Chiesa and Belotti, Italy possesses depth across all areas.
Catch you in the next one.