The entertaining EUFA Euro 2020 will come to an exciting and tough end as the inform Italy, who will be looking to win the silver ware since 1968, lock horns with the formidable England who will be looking to win the European Championships for the first time ever in the country’s history this Sunday at the famous Wembley in London, with kickoff at 22:00.
Italy and England have both faced good and tough times during this Euro 2020 and both teams deserve to be in the final due to their team spirits and wonderful displays we have seen from both sides. However, both teams needed extra time to advance to the final in the semifinals played here at Wembley where Italy saw off Spain on penalties after 1-1 draw while England edged out Denmark 2-1 in extra time.
Italy will head into the match being level with Spain and Russia on four final appearances with Germany being at the top with six appearances, and they would become fourth multiple Euro winners with a win on Sunday joining Germany and Spain who have won three times and France(two).
Roberto Mancini’s side began their Euro 2020 campaign in high spirits beating Turkey 3-0 in their opener thus breaking their record of having not scored beyond two goals in the European Champions. Then followed another 3-0 win against Switzerland before the routine 1-0 win over Wales in their final group fixture. However, Italy squeezed past Austria in the round of 16 with a 2-1 win in the extra time before unleashing their all against Belgium in the last eight winning 2-1 with all goals coming in the first half.
Italy’s streak of victories was brought to an end by the 1-1 draw against Spain in the semifinals, before they prevailed 4-2 on penalties. On their form, The Azzurri are in a brilliant form as they are undefeated in their last 33 matches across all competition, winning 12 of their last 14 with 11 clean sheets. They are super confident.
Meanwhile, for England this will be their second major tournament final the other one being in 1966 where they beat the West Germany 4-2 extra time in a FIFA World Cup final at Wembley. England will become the second new champions in successive tournaments following Portugal’s 2016 triumph with a win at Wembley.
England started their Euro 2020 journey slowly in the group stage but finished on top of the Group D following their 1-0 win against Croatia, 0-0 draw against Scotland and another 1-0 against Czech Republic. England then overcame the European giants Germany 2-0 in the last 16 before they recorded their biggest Euro final tournament victory 4-2 against Ukraine at the Olimpico in Rome. However, the Three Lions’ clean sheet run in this tournament was brought to an end when they edged past the determined Denmark with a 2-1 win in the extra time in semifinals.
Gareth Southgate’s side are also in an impressive form as they haven’t lost in their last 12 games with a 5-match winning streak. Hence, they also bursting in confidence with a massive home ground advantage.
This will be a close call since both sides are evenly matched with talented squads therefore, we expect the clash to end in the extra time but I would put my money on Italy only because they have a good head to head record against England and their great team spirit.
Italy vs England head to head
Both sides have met seven times since 1980 with Italy winning four times whereas England have only once and two encounters ended in a draw. Take a look;
- England 1-1 Italy Mar 27, 2018
- Italy 1-1 England Mar 31, 2015
- England 1-2 Italy Jun 15, 2014
- England 2-1 Italy Aug 15, 2012
- England 2-4 Italy Jun 24, 2012
Home
- Italy 4-2 Spain
- Belgium 1-2 Italy
- Italy 2-1 Austria
- Italy 1-0 Wales
- Italy 3-0 Switzerland
Away
- England 2-1 Denmark
- Ukraine 0-4 England
- England 2-0 Germany
- Czech Republic 0-1 England
- England 0-0 Scotland
Italy team news
Italy will continue to miss the services of defender Leonardo Spinazzola who picked up an injury in their game against Belgium. Everyone else is available for the Sunday’s clash.
England team news
England will miss the services of Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount due to injuries. The rest of the squad are available and ready for the final.
Prediction and odds
- Draw (after 90 mins)
- Double chance
- The game to go to extra time
