Italy will take part in their fourth EURO final on Sunday night and hope to scratch an 53-year-old itch at Wembley Stadium.
The Azzurri lifted the trophy back in 1968 but have suffered defeat in their last two appearances in the decider. EURO2020.com looks back through the archives of their three exhibitions.
The triumphant Italian team from 1968 / Keystone / Getty Images
This was the only EURO final that ever went to a replay. Hosts Italy were also grateful for a second chance, after appearing destined for defeat when Dragan Džajić gave up the talented Yugoslav side before the break, but Angelo Domenghini’s thumping free kick with ten minutes left forced a second game.
Ferruccio Valcareggi made five changes for the return two days later, and those like Sandro Mazzola and Luigi Riva made the difference, the latter striking early by controlling Domenghini’s miss and shooting past Ilija Pantelić. Pietro Anastasi’s second was worth the contest, the striker controlled Giancarlo De Sisti’s angled pass and volleyed superbly over the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.
Italy beaten by a famous golden target / Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
In contrast to 1968, a late equalizer was the beginning of the end for the Azzurri in this Rotterdam settlement, as France was later to win via a golden goal. Before that, veteran Dino Zoff from 1968 had looked like he was about to mastermine his team to victory, Marco Delvecchio had volleyed in from close range after Francesco Totti’s smart back heel had released Gianluca Pessotto down to the right.
Les Bleus looked out of ideas until Fabien Barthez’s long kicks, deep into extra time, were struck by David Trezeguet for fellow substitute Sylvain Wiltord, who ran his finish over Francesco Toldo. Roger Lemerre’s men then completed the turn in the 103rd minute, Robert Pirès burst to the line and cut a cross for Trezeguet to volley emphatically into the roof of the net.
Spain were comfortable victories in 2012 / PATRICK HERTZOG / Getty Images
If Italy’s first two finals were closely fought, this was anything but. Cesare Prandelli’s side was simply overshadowed by an era-defining Spain outfit in Kiev. And the Azzurri were against it from the moment Cesc Fàbrega’s cross was seen by David Silva in 14 minutes, with their hopes quickly diminished when Giorgio Chiellini gave up after a thigh injury shortly after.
Jordi Alba swept in the second from Xavi Hernández’s penetrating ball before the break and Vicente del Bosque’s men ruled the place thereafter. Late goals from Fernando Torres and Juan Mata gave the final scoreboard a flattering look and still left Italy after a first European crown since the first success in 1968.
World Cup finals
Azzurri has also appeared in six deciders at the World Cup and appears triumphant on four occasions.
1934: Italy 2-1aet Czechoslovakia1938: Italy 4-2 Hungary1970: Brazil 4-1 Italy1982: Italy 3-1 West Germany1994: Brazil 0-0aet Italy (pens: 3-2) 2006: Italy 1-1aet France (pens 5- 3 )
