Italy meet England at Wembley Stadium in the Euro 2020 Grand Final as both teams do battle for glory.
Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri are looking to win the competition for the first time in 53 years whereas England are seeking their first-ever Euros title.
Team News
Italy have no fresh injury or suspension concerns to report as Leonardo Spinazzola remains their only absentee after rupturing his Achilles in Italy’s Quarter-Final win over Belgium, with Emerson set to retain his left-back position after replacing his compatriot in the starting line-up in Tuesday’s win over Spain.
England have no major injury concerns to report despite Phil Foden suffering a knock to his foot in training, although Gareth Southgate could opt for a change in formation in order to try and counteract Italy’s threat on the flanks.
Route to Final
Italy
| Stage | Opposition | Result |
| Group | Turkey | 0-3 |
| Group | Switzerland | 3-0 |
| Group | Wales | 1-0 |
| Round of 16 | Austria | 2-1 |
| Quarter Finals | Belgium | 1-2 |
| Semi Finals | Spain | 1-1 (4-2 on penalties) |
Italy cruised through Group A without conceding as Ciro Immobile and Manuel Locatelli both scored twice, yet struggled creatively to break down Austria in the Round of 16 until extra-time goals from Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina proved the difference despite Sasa Kalajdzic netting a consolatory Austrian goal.
Quick goals from Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne coupled with a defensively stubborn second-half display saw Italy knock out title-favourites, Belgium in the Quarter-Finals despite conceding a late first half penalty to Romelu Lukaku.
Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri then endured a scrappy semi-final as Chiesa’s 60th minute opener was cancelled out by Spain’s Alvaro Morata just 20 minutes later, although it was the Italians who eventually prevailed 4-2 on penalties.
England
| Stage | Opposition | Result |
| Group | Croatia | 1-0 |
| Group | Scotland | 0-0 |
| Group | Czech Republic | 0-1 |
| Round of 16 | Germany | 2-0 |
| Quarter Finals | Ukraine | 0-4 |
| Semi Finals | Denmark | 2-1 (AET) |
(AET) = After Extra Time
Raheem Sterling proved to be England’s biggest early asset as his two goals in a difficult Group D sent the Three Lions through as group winners, despite becoming the first-ever team to advance to the knockouts with just two goals scored in the group stage.
Late goals from Sterling and Harry Kane then proved enough to dispatch Germany in the Round of 16, as Die Mannschaft played their final game under Joachim Low before the German handed over his reins to Hansi Flick.
Kane then netted a brace whilst Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson also struck the net in a four goal Quarter-Final riot against Ukraine in Rome, before coming from behind through Simon Kjaer’s own goal and a rebound strike from Kane to defeat Denmark 2-1 in their semi-final after extra time.
Stat Attack
- Italy are unbeaten in four previous meetings against England at major tournaments, having met twice each at World Cup and Euros (W3, D1), prevailing on penalties in their last Euro meeting in 2012 after a goalless draw in Kiev.
- England have kept just one clean sheet in four previous clashes against Italy at major tournaments.
- No Italy player has covered more distance than Jorginho, who has covered 72.3km in six matches, averaging 12.05km per match throughout the tournament.
- Raheem Sterling has been caught offside on more occasions than any other England player, having been found offside on four occasions in six appearances
- England won their only previous major Final held on home soil – defeating West Germany 4-2 after extra time in 1966.
Prediction
Having found themselves in a physical semi-final scrap against Spain which required extra time and penalties, Italy did look genuinely knackered but will be favourites given their dangerous ability in midfield and attack which has often overwhelmed teams at times this tournament.
England meanwhile are in unchartered territory for the first time in 55 years, coincidentally playing the Final in their home stadium which will add extra motivational energy to the occasion, although tactics will have to be spot on if they’re to stand any chance against a ruthless Italian team.
It is also worth pointing out that England have conceded just once all tournament in a relatively easy-looking path compared to Italy, who have conceded in all three knockout stages so far despite their excellent attacking intent so England’s defence and clinical finishing will be key.
I genuinely feel like this is Italy’s to lose because that extra day’s rest could well prove the difference on top of their unbeaten major tournament record against England plus excellent attacking quality, although their fitness could be their undoing if England force extra time in front of a ferocious crowd.
Prediction: Italy 1-2 England (AET)
Result: Italy 1-1 England (Italy win 3-2 on penalties!!!)