TheCable

Italy have been crowned champions of Europe after defeating England 3-2 on penalties at the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley Stadium on Sunday night.

Gianluigi Donnarumma saved two spot kicks as Italy claimed their first Euro title in 53 years, after losing in 2000 and 2012.

England scored with less than two minutes on the clock when Shaw started a move that ended with the Manchester United left back sprinting over half of the field to finish it off at the far post.

Shaw’s goal was his first for England and the fastest ever in the final of a European Championships.

Lorenzo Insigne could not hit the target from a 20-yard free-kick minutes later, while Federico Chiesa came closest for Italy in the first period when a surging run from midfield ended with his low shot narrowly missing the bottom corner.

Verratti also had a tame shot well saved as England survived the halftime whistle under Italian pressure.

Italy continued the attacking onslaught at the start of the second half but a flurry of chances by Insigne and Chiesa were thwarted by Jordan Pickford.

But the Everton goalkeeper was helpless as Bonucci bundled in from two yards on 67 minutes to restore parity.

The Italians continued to dominate proceedings, notching up 70 percent of possession, but clear-cut chances were not forthcoming as England forced the game to extra time.

The game continued at high-tempo in extra time as Federico Bernadeschi went close for Italy while Jack Grealish had a shot blocked.

Rashford hit the bar during the penalty shootout while the big frame of Donnarumma eventually made the difference as the PSG-bound goalkeeper saved Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho’s spot-kicks.

The title is the first major trophy for the Italians at a major tournament since winning the FIFA World Cup in 2006.