Sunday, July 11, 2021
Italy Are Champions of Europe
The Italians, coached by former City boss Roberto Mancini (which was why I was rotting for them) won at Wembley on penalty kicks after 90 minutes of normal time and 30 of extra time. Pickford saved for England with penalties 1-1, putting England in the driver's seat. Maguire gave England the lead 2-1, Bonucci leveled for Italy and then disaster for England. Marcus Rashford stuttered to try to get Italy's keeper to react. Donnarumma did, diving to his left, but then Rashford didn't rotate on his plant foot and sent a tepid shot off the far post. Italy then scored to make it 3-2 on penalties. Sancho, for England, then reprised Rashford's stutter with similar result. Italy could have won it on their next shot but Pickford saved Jorginho's shot. England was alive but now had to score on their next shot. Saka shot right and Donnarumma saved to give Italy and Roberto Mancini the cup. CONGRATULATIONS ITALY AND ROBERTO!