New Delhi: The final of UEFA EURO 2020 at Wembley brings together Italy, seeking to add to their sole European title after 53 years, and England, who are aiming to be crowned European champions for the first time.
Italy have twice lost in the final since triumphing in Rome in 1968, while England have made it through a EURO semi-final for the first time after losing in the last four in 1968 in Italy and as hosts in 1996.
Both sides needed extra time to win their UEFA EURO 2020 semi-finals, which were also played at Wembley. Italy eventually saw off three-time winners Spain on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while England edged out Denmark 2-1 after extra time.
Key battles to look out for:
Federico Chiesa vs Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw has been terrific when raiding down the left in this tournament, notably against Germany and Ukraine, and ranks as England’s leading chance-creator with nine. On Sunday, however, the Manchester United man may have to be at his best defensively against an in-form Federico Chiesa.
The Juventus forward brings energy and electric pace, not to mention a sharp shot – as demonstrated by his two goals in the tournament so far: a laser strike from a tight angle against Austria in the round of 16, then a perfectly curled effort against Spain in the semi-finals.
The 23-year-old has already proved to be a big-game player at club level, scoring crucial goals last season for Juventus in the UEFA Champions League and the Coppa Italia final. Will he also leave his mark in the biggest match of his career? If so, Shaw may face a repeat of his semi-final frustrations, when the task of containing Martin Braithwaite limited his attacking impact.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo vs Raheem Sterling
When Raheem Sterling was contesting the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-finals with England, after leading Manchester City to the Premier League title with 18 goals, Giovanni Di Lorenzo – one year his senior – was watching the tournament from his native Tuscany.
The right-back had just won promotion from Serie B with Empoli. Only a year earlier, he had been playing in the Italian third division with Matera, a side from the spectacular southern town famed for its ‘Città dei Sassi’ (City of Stones) but anything but a footballing powerhouse.
Di Lorenzo began the tournament as a squad player but has not looked back since Alessandro Florenzi suffered a calf injury in the opening game against Turkey, producing a series of solid performances. His most difficult night to date was against Belgium youngster Jeremy Doku; in Sterling, he will encounter a forward of a different class – a Player of the Tournament contender with the bit between his teeth, who has taken on defenders more often than anybody else at this EURO (29 times).
A goal for Sterling could be curtains for Italy, given that England have never lost when he has scored. So, for Di Lorenzo, a little help from a friend – namely centre-back Leonardo Bonucci – may well be needed here.
Jorginho vs Mason Mount
Jorginho and Mason Mount know each other inside out, having won the UEFA Champions League together with Chelsea only six weeks ago. Will that knowledge give either an advantage? Difficult to say. Certainly Mount will be aware that Italy’s game passes through the feet and brain of his Stamford Bridge team-mate, but Jorginho has plenty of respect likewise for the 22-year-old, whom he has described as being “always in the right position” and a player who “works for the whole team”.
Mount is a clever footballer capable of finding space and intelligent out of possession too (witness his efforts to help shackle Luka Modrić for Chelsea against Real Madrid last season). He has clearly earned Southgate’s admiration and trust, and any direct encounters with Jorginho should provide an intriguing battle of wits as both men look to join the group of nine players who have previously won the EURO trophy and the UEFA Champions League in the same year.
