Here we are. It’s the big one. Euro 2020 final. Italy vs England.
England has grown in confidence as the tournament has developed and was good value for its victory over Denmark in the semi-finals. They now want to win their first European Championship and their first major honor since 1966.
As for Italy, they have been the prominent side of Euro 2020 so far, although they had to limp to the finish line after being penalized by Spain in their own semi-final.
Here is everything you need to know about the final.
When is kick off? Sunday 11 July, 20:00 (BST)Where is the match played? Wembley Stadium, LondonWhich TV channel is it on? BBC One / ITV (UK), fuboTV / ESPN (US)Who is the judge? Björn KuipersWho is WHERE? Bastian Dankert
Emerson is in for Spinazzola / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
There are no new injuries to Roberto Mancini, whose only absentee is star left-back Leonardo Spinazzola. Covering the injured Roman comes Chelsea’s Emerson, who had an impressive comeback against Spain.
With Federico Chiesa now the undisputed starter on the right wing, expect very few changes from Mancini.
Southgate must decide on a formation / Frank Augstein – Pool / Getty Images
There are no worries for England, so all the uncertainty ahead of this has to do with which formation Gareth Southgate will choose.
Italy’s strength lies in their midfield, so Southgate may decide to steer clear of their reliable 4-2-3-1 and put an extra body there to try to match.
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Chiellini, Bonucci, Emerson; Jorginho, Verratti, Barella; Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne.
England: Pickford; Walker, Maguire, Stones, Shaw; Ris, Phillips; Saka, Mount, Sterling; Kane.
Jamie Vardy was on target when these two sides last met / Claudio Villa / Getty Images
Italy and England have met no less than 27 times before, and recently it has been Italy that has come out on top most often.
Azzurri has won 11 of these 27, including returning to the European Championships in 2012 and the 2014 World Cup. England’s last victory came in a friendly in 2012, but they have not won a competitive match against Italy since a 2-0 victory back in 1977.
Their last meeting came in 2018, when a late Lorenzo Insigne penalty ensured a 1-1 draw in a friendly match.
Italy comes in as favorites / Claudio Villa / Getty Images
Is it coming home?
Before the semi-final, Italy were the overwhelming favorites for this match, and if we are honest, they probably still are, but they looked deadly against Spain and are lucky to even be in the final. The victory is not as certain as it looked just a few days ago.
England will have seen a way to beat Italy, but whether they can actually pull it off is another matter. They have never beaten such a strong opponent on such a big stage, and if Italy show up, they will probably have too much for England.
Prediction: Italy 2-1 England
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