Italy’s Euro 2020 victory (played in 2021 due to COVID) was completed via penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium, defeating England 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The Final
Italy silenced 60,000 English fans at Wembley. England’s Luke Shaw scored in just 2 minutes, but Italy equalized through Leonardo Bonucci. In the shootout, Gianluigi Donnarumma (19 years old) saved Bukayo Saka’s penalty to clinch the trophy.
Italy went unbeaten in 34 matches (2018-2021), rebounding from missing the 2018 World Cup. Manager Roberto Mancini transformed Italy into an attack-minded, possession-based team.
Legacy
Italy’s 4th European Championship tied Germany and Spain for most titles. The tournament’s “It’s Coming Home” memes and England’s heartbreak (penalties again) defined the narrative.
Sources: UEFA Euro 2020