Euro 2020 has not disappointed. We’ve seen some sensational goals, real underdog stories and now we gear up to the final, played at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. There’s no better venue for such a momentous occasion – and an even more exciting prospect that England are in it. Standing in their way are Roberto Mancini’s Italy, who were among the pre-tournament favourites and have played some exceptional football.
It’s a final between two sides that are set-up well, know where the goal is, and boast impressive defensive records – making it nigh on impossible to choose, when betting on Italy v England.
Let’s see where this game could be won or lost – as we highlight three Italy players to look out for.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
The Azzurri are on a hugely impressive 33-match unbeaten run and that’s largely down to their defensive capabilities – and the strong hands of Gianluigi Donnarumma between the sticks. It’s hard to believe the 22-year-old already has 32 caps to his name, and he’s earned a big money move to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the upcoming domestic campaign.
But back to the Euros now – and Italy breezed through the group stages, without conceding a single goal. While Donnarumma finally conceded in the group stages, it was his safe hands that sealed their fate and a place in the final – after saving Álvaro Morata’s tame spot-kick, in the semi-final clash against Spain. He was unable to hold back the tears, as he and his compatriots dedicated the win to the injured Leonardo Spinazzola.
There’s been much talk about Donnarumma’s gloves – the Adidas Predator Pro goalkeeper gloves cost £100 and have a staggering 288 spikes on the front of them. Here’s hoping the final isn’t a prickly affair.
Giorgio Chiellini
A runner-up at Euro 2012, Italy’s veteran centre-back will look to go one better this weekend. Giorgio Chiellini embodies everything about the spirit of this Italian squad, as well as ones from years gone by. He admitted before the tournament kicked off, that it would likely be his final major tournament for the Azzurri.
His partnership with Leonardo Bonucci – a near-veteran himself – at the heart of the Italian defence has been a joy to behold. And after limping off against Switzerland, there were concerns it was the last we’d seen of Chiellini at Euro 2020 – and interestingly, he was missing for that round of 16 clash against Austria, in which Italy conceded their first goal of the tournament.
Chiellini’s experience is crucial, and he’s a warrior on- and off the pitch. If the way he belts out the national anthem isn’t terrifying enough, let’s not forget he has broken his nose five times and fears no-one.
Federico Chiesa
While the Euro 2020 winner odds could not be closer, one man that could well make the difference is Federico Chiesa. In the early stages of the tournament, the 23-year-old wasn’t even starting but now the winger (who plays for Juventus on loan from Fiorentina) is an important cog in the Azzurri’s front-three.
He was awarded Man of the Match against Spain, dedicating his award to teammate Spinazzola, and had put the Azzurri ahead with a sumptuous curling strike on the hour mark. The son of former forward Enrico Chiesa is tipped for bright things, and it would be the cherry on top of the cake should he be a European champion at only his first major tournament.