The Italian team won the European Cup. Image source: Osports All Sports Photo Agency
In the 1990 World Cup, the theme song "Italian Summer" swept the world.
That unforgettable romantic melody is considered a gift from the host to the football world.
Unfortunately, that year, Italy fell before the penalty spot in the semifinals.
31 years later, it was another penalty shootout.
When the melodious melody of "Italian Summer" sounded after the game, it once again spread from the stadium to the world as if to confide in the unfinished thoughts of that year: Italy is the champion!
The starting lineup of the Italian team Image source: Osports All Sports Photo Agency
In the early morning of the 12th, Beijing time, the European Cup final was held at Wembley Stadium in London.
Italy defeated England at home 4:3 (3:2 penalty) and regained the European Cup championship after more than half a century.
After experiencing the low ebb of missing the 2018 World Cup finals, the Azzurri used this convincing championship trophy to declare a strong return!
Kane's lore helped England enter the finals. Source: Osports All Sports Photo Agency
This is a final that can use "half a century of waiting" to refine the theme.
The last time the Italian team won the European Cup, it dates back to 53 years ago; the last time the England team reached the final of a major tournament was the home World Cup 55 years ago.
One is a veteran giant who has come out of the trough in a short period of time, and the other is a newcomer to the final who came here over a long period of time.
This finale was full of topics and gimmicks from the beginning.
Italy coach Mancini Source: Osports All Sports Photo Agency
If you choose the most surprising team of this European Cup, Italy should occupy a candidate spot.
Although it is a traditional European giant, the Italian team's past record in the European Cup is not particularly outstanding. It has only won the championship once in history. Secondly, the Italian team's "star flavor" is slightly insufficient and lacks a well-known top star.
In terms of value or popularity, the Italian team's roster is difficult to compare with other favorites such as France, Belgium, and England.
But it is just such an Italian team that made people shine from the opening game, and then broke through from the "death half" with 5 top 7 teams in the world.
After eliminating the favourites Belgium and Spain successively, Italy advanced to the final step by step.
Italy beat Spain on penalty kick to reach the final
On the other hand, although the England team has never been involved in the European Cup champions, they have gathered a large number of young talents in the front field and they are the favorites to win this tournament, especially after the victory over the German team.
In the semi-finals, Dams scored a direct free kick to penetrate the gate, the England team did not lose a goal in this European Cup, high-quality defense has become the new label of the Three Lions.
It is often said that the finals have no name, especially in the finals of the competition.
However, this decisive battle ushered in a wave of climax at the beginning.
Trippier made a cross from the right, and Luke Shaw followed up with a volley to help England get a fantastic start.
Luke Shaw scored the first goal for the national team. Source: Osports All Sports Photo Agency
The official goal time was 1 minute and 56 seconds, which was the fastest goal in the final in the history of the European Cup.
At the same time, this is the first goal scored by Luke Shaw as a full-back for the national team. The 12th local time is also his birthday.
However, this golden goal failed to bring victory to the Three Lions.
After losing the ball, the Italian team's offense was even more rapid.
There are young people in England and veterans in Italy.
In the 67th minute of the game, Berardi took a corner kick from the right, Verrati's shot was saved by Pickford, and Bonucci made a supplementary shot.
At 34 years and 71 days, Bonucci became the oldest scoring player in the history of the European Cup final.
Bonucci in the game. Source: Osports All Sports Photo Agency
After the score returned to the same starting line, the game was also deadlocked.
This stalemate continued from regular time to overtime.
Seeing that the penalty kick is inevitable, England coach Southgate made the last two substitution adjustments, young Rashford and Sancho debut, they are obviously backs for the penalty kick.
However, this expectation is also accompanied by tremendous pressure.
In the penalty shootout, although the Italian team took the lead to lose points, but Rashford, Sancho and the same young Saka successively missed the penalty.
The England team's dream of "letting the football home" was shattered at the 12-yard spot at Wembley Stadium.
Saka missed a penalty. Image source: Osports All Sports Photo Agency
The lonely Beckham in the stands, the crying teenagers in the stadium, the sad emotions spread at home.
Those who were not infected were them in blue. Mancini, the Italian coach, also had red eyes, but his tears were obviously not sad.
In the semifinals and finals, Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma helped the team win two consecutive penalty shootouts. At the age of 22, he became the best player of the European Cup.
In front of the young talents in England, Donnarumma took the jewel of the crown.
Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma became the best player of this European Cup. Image source: Osports All Sports Photo Agency
Beside him, Spinazzola celebrated with a cane, not quite skilled.
If it is not a serious injury, Spinazzola is also a strong contender for the best player.
Fortunately, his teammates kept the most important trophy.
With their new identities as European champions, they rushed towards the fans and towards the World Cup together.
In the melody of "Italian Summer", they composed another Italian Summer.
(Reporter Yue Chuan)