They did it! In the space of few years, Roberto Mancini’s men turned from a team that embarrassingly missed out on a World Cup spot, to European champions. But it was far from being an easy task, especially when England took lead as early as the second minute through Luke Shaw in front of their home crowd at Wembley. Nonetheless, the Azzurri managed to find their way back in the second half thanks to Leonardo Bonucci’s equalizer, and eventually won the penalty shootouts as Gianluigi Donnarumma saved the last two spot kicks. So here are our player ratings for the Grand finale between Italy and England.
Italy XI
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 8.5
The world’s most glamorous free agent turned himself into a nation’s hero by saving England’s fourth and fifth spot kicks, and securing the trophy in the process. Was left with no chance on Shaw’s goal, and didn’t have much to do for the rest of the match.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6
Some would blame the Napoli man for failing to track Shaw’s run on the opening goal, but he was distracted by Kane’s presence inside the box. Tried to support the attacks at times but never managing to create danger.
Leonardo Bonucci – 8.5
The defender said it was the best night of his life, and he might have given the best performance of his career. Brought Italy back to the match with his equalizer, and didn’t put a foot wrong in defense, even if he conceded a yellow card due to a challenge on Sterling
Giorgio Chiellini – 8
The captain put on another old-fashion defensive masterclass, bullying Kane and company throughout the match, and making one key interception after the other. Was happy to receive a booking on a technical foul on Saka when the youngster was trying to escape him.
Emerson Palmieri – 6.5
The Italo-Brazilian tried to fill Spinazzola’s shoes, and whilst he put on some respectable efforts on the attack, he still wasn’t able to make the difference. Nonetheless, he looked mostly solid on the defensive phase.
Nicolò Barella – 5.5
The Inter midfielder looked second best when facing the Englishmen, and his technical touch was far from impressive. Left the pitch early in the second half.
Jorginho – 6.5
The Chelsea man has now won the Champions League and the European Championship in the space of six weeks. Took a knock early in the match, but somehow managed to remain on the pitch for the entire 120 minutes, even if he didn’t seem to be at his best shape. Could have scored the decisive penalty, but left the hero’s honors to Donnarumma.
Marco Verratti – 7
The PSG star was behind every Italy play, and kept the ball ticking even when his side was struggling early in the match.
Federico Chiesa – 7.5
The Juventus winger was his side’s most dangerous player by far, and almost found the back of the net with two shots – one went just off target and the other saved by Pickford – but eventually left the pitch with a slight injury.
Ciro Immobile – 5.5
Another tough night for the Lazio bomber who struggled against the physically stronger English defender, and was never allowed to have a sniff at goal.
Lorenzo Insigne – 5.5
The Napoli captain tried to make a difference with some long range shots, but his magical touch abandoned him in the final.
5/5 – Gianluigi Donnarumma has won each of the five games in which his team has faced penalty shootouts: three for his club and two for the National Team. Superman.#ItaliaInghilterra #Euro2020Final #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/41uCXUa6Ge
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) July 11, 2021
Italy Substitutes
Bryan Cristante – 6
The Roma man added some energy to the middle.
Domenico Berardi – 5.5
Wasted a golden chance to give his side the lead, but took his spot kick well.
Federico Bernardeschi – 6
Went with a cheeky shot to the middle as he once again successfully converted his penalty kick.
Andrea Belotti – 5
Looked nervous from the spot, and was denied by Pickford.
Manuel Locatelli – N/A
Alessandro Florenzi – N/A
53 – Italy have won their second European Championship trophy after 53 years from their first one (1968), the largest gap for a single side in the history of the competition. CHAMPIONS!#ItaliaInghilterra #Euro2020Final #EURO2020 #ITAENG pic.twitter.com/EvTkIX9jz0
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) July 11, 2021
England XI
Jordan Pickford – 7.5
The Everton man made a great save to deny Chiesa’s low drive in the second half, and eventually saved Verratti’s header right before Bonucci’s equalizer. Also saved two of Italy’s spot kicks, but it proved to be not enough.
Kyle Walker – 6.5
The Man City defender looked solid throughout the evening, and was able to keep Insigne quiet for most of the match.
John Stones – 7
The center back led the backline with confidence, and kept Immobile in his pocket for as long as he lasted on the pitch.
Harry Maguire – 6.5
The big man surprisingly converted the best spot kick of the evening, sending a thunderous shot to the top corner. Also handled Immobile with ease, but his technical touch seemed a little too heavy at times.
Despite the loss, England went the ?????? tournament without conceding a goal in open play.
Incredible stuff from Pickford and his line ? pic.twitter.com/jWhNVHxndq
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 11, 2021
Kieran Trippier – 6.5
The Atletico Madrid wingback was the surprise package of Gareth Southgate’s formation, and provided the assist for the opener, but eventually faded away from the match.
Kalvin Philips – 7
Outside of Premier League fans, few know about the Leeds United man prior to the tournament, but they will surely recognize him now following another excellent display in the middle. A burst of energy.
Declan Rice – 8
What a performance from the West Ham star! Marshalled the middle of the park with ease, winning back the ball for his side on multiple occasions, and dribbling his way through the Azzurri players. Surprisingly left the pitch in the second half.
Luke Shaw – 7
The Man United left-back opened the scoring early on with a well-taken shot that left Donnarumma with no chance, and looked dangerous throughout the first half, but couldn’t maintain his tempo late in the match.
Mason Mount – 5.5
The young man worked hard, and had his own personal battle against his Chelsea teammate, Jorginho, but didn’t add much in the final third.
Raheem Sterling – 6
The former Liverpool man caused havoc for the Italian defenses whenever he had the ball, but his final touch left much to be desired.
Harry Kane – 5.5
The captain contributed in his side’s early goal, but asides from that, he was beaten in almost every duel against Chiellini and Bonucci.
England Substitutes
Jordan Henderson – 5.5
Entered in the second half, but seemed to be a downgrade on Rice.
Bukayo Saka – 5.5
The teenager had his ups and downs during his cameo, but was the unfortunate man to miss the final spot kick of the night.
Jack Grealish – 6
The Three Lions played better after his introduction, and almost created a winner for England.
Jadon Sancho – N/A
Marcus Rashford – N/A
IT’S COMING 2 ROME ? @azzurri pic.twitter.com/L7GWAKvkSx
— PUMA Football (@pumafootball) July 11, 2021