Italy is champions of Europe again, for the first time since 1968, breaking English hearts in the process at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
The 120 minutes had been nerve-shredding with England enjoying early elation when Luke Shaw scored his first-ever international goal, a magnificent half-volley with the game’s first move. And then came what felt like the slow and inexorable trudge towards defeat.
Gareth Southgate’s team had been comfortable in the first half but the final slid away from them thereafter; Italy turning up the temperature, pinning England back.
Italy got the equaliser that they deserved through Leonardo Bonucci and, during extra time, the specter of penalties hung heavy. When they came, England lost their nerve – missing three of their kicks.
It was a night when sporting immortality had beckoned for England, a first trophy since the World Cup of 1966. In the end, it would be a depressingly familiar hard-luck story.
For Italy, it was a second European Championship and glory for Roberto Mancini, whose work since taking over as the manager from Gian Piero Ventura after the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup has been a little short of sensational.
Italy had the know-how; they have almost forgotten what defeat is. They are unbeaten in 34 matches, a run that spans nearly three years.
