LONDON – Italy have been crowned champions of Europe after a nail-biting penalty shootout win over England at Wembley Stadium, ABC News reported.
Italian keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was the hero of the shootout, keeping out Bukayo Saka with a winning save to deliver Italy its first European Championship title since 1968.
England got off to a dream start with a goal in just the second minute of the match. Defender Luke Shaw found space at the back post at the end of a quick English counter-attack, and struck a perfect half-volleyed shot from Kieran Trippier’s cross.
In front of a delirious Wembley crowd, England dominated much of the first half but without creating many clear chances, while Italy steadily grew into the game.
The second half belonged to the Azzurri, and the equalizer eventually came through veteran center-back Leonardo Bonucci, who was on hand to finish from close range after a scramble from a corner.
A tense end to the 90 minutes forced the game to extra time, where the sides still couldn’t be separated.
England keeper Jordan Pickford made two excellent saves of his own, but it was to be Donnarumma and Italy’s day.
