Euro 2020 Final: Italy ($2.87) vs England ($2.60) – Monday 12th July @5am
England will hope to clinch their first major trophy in 55 years when they face Italy in the Euro 2020 final at 5am Monday at Wembley.
Not since their triumph over West Germany on home soil in the 1966 World Cup final has England tasted success at a major tournament, with near misses and penalty heartache all too familiar with Three Lions fans.
But Gareth Southgate has galvanised a young squad brimming with talent and depth, free of burden from past failings, with captain Harry Kane scoring an extra-time winner to defeat Denmark in the semi-finals to book their place against Italy.
Italy, in contrast, are renowned for their tournament toughness, winning four World Cups and a European Championship in 1968. After being humiliated by not qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, the Azzurri have now well and truly resurrected, currently on a 33-match unbeaten run that started back in October 2018.
Italy boss Roberto Mancini has managed to get the very best out of a side that although undeniably talented, man-for-man, are not as technically gifted as some of their European neighbours like France, Belgium and their Euro 2020 final opponents on Monday morning.
After holding their nerve to defeat Spain in penalties in the semi-finals, the Azzurri will be looking to break English hearts and win their first European Championship in 53 years.
Over 60,000 fans will descend on Wembley on Monday morning to watch a final that has all the makings of a classic, a narrative of the serial winners against the perennial underachievers.
Is it finally coming home? Or is it coming Rome?
Team News
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is the only doubt of England, missing the quarter-final win over Ukraine before returning to face Denmark in the semi-finals.
Italy will be without Leonardo Spinazzola after it was confirmed the full-back ruptured his Achilles tendon. Emerson Palmieri deputised well for Spinazzola against Spain and is expected to keep his place.
Players to Watch
Giorgio Chiellini: The 36-year-old continues to defy time and is still the backbone of this Italian defence. His defensive partnership with Leonardo Bonucci is arguably the most formidable in Europe. Their experience might prove to be decisive against a youthful England team when the pressure is truly on.
Harry Kane: England’s Captain Fantastic scored the extra-time winner against Denmark in the semi-final which will go down in Three Lions folklore. Now not only does he have his sights on achieving his first ever team trophy but collecting the personal accolade of Golden Boot winner if he scores in the final as well.
Key Stats
- Italy are 33 matches unbeaten
- England have not conceded a goal from open play at Euro 2020
Best Bets
Match Result: Draw ($3)
First Goalscorer: Harry Kane ($6)
