How the Euro 2020 final will go, from the point of view of Italy and England

England and Italy are all set to face off in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium on Monday morning AEST.

As sports journalists we are taught to be “reporters, not supporters” but for this special occasion we are going to break this rule and put on our team colors.

So, big fan of Italy Dan Colasimone will reign over the Azzurri and the English Simon smale looked at the chances of the Three Lions.

Simon and Dan will also be on our blog live from the final, offering their take on the situation of their respective teams. They even promised to stay civilized.

What is the key for Italy to win the final?

And: If the Azzurri can assert their superior midfielder, they should win the game. The trio of Marco Verratti, Nicolò Barella and Jorginho is a brilliant combination that can do it all; they are energetic, they attack hard and most importantly, they are all wonderful football passers.

Even though they were dominated by Spain’s tiki-taka merchants in the semi-finals, they still had moments where they grabbed the ball, quickly switching from defense to attack. And I think the English midfielder will have a hard time dealing with his passing and smooth movements, just like a star-studded Belgian side did.

This midfielder should lay the groundwork for wingers to move up the pitch and forwards to get their fair share of chances. And if Italy can retain the lion’s share of possession, the talented England strikers will remain isolated and struggle to enter the game.

Also, scoring the first goal will be vital. Italy haven’t fallen behind in 24 matches so I’m not sure they’ll know what to do if England scores first.

What is the key to England winning the final?

Simon: England have the best defensive record in the tournament, conceding just once in the 570 minutes of football – and even that was a Mikkel Damsgaard free kick in the semi-final.

This rock-solid defense has also been incredibly versatile, lining up as a three-way defender with wingers or a four-way depending on the opposition and the playing situation. Harry Maguire and John Stones have been rocks in the middle. , ably assisted by Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw, with the midfield shield of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips making a formidable six / seven backstroke.

The longer England went without conceding, the more likely it was that a goal would prick their feel-good bubble and crumble it all into the same messy heap of recriminations and pain that English fans have become so used to. However, England not only survived that setback but thrived, dominating Denmark and keeping their cool until the end of extra time, even though they needed a questionable penalty to do so.

From an attacking point of view, England have quality both on the pitch and in reserve. Against tiring bodies, having the opportunity to use the fresh legs of Jack Grealish, Jaydon Sancho, Phil Foden etc who have barely played this tournament will be huge and England should therefore finish strong.

Italy’s biggest weakness before the final?

And: Italy haven’t had a remarkable center-forward in this tournament, with Ciro Immobile and substitute Andrea Belotti not consistently threatening. It could turn out to be a surprising force, however. If the English defenders get lazy with Immobile, he is still able to punish them with his runs behind the line.

Oh, and I’m also worried about the pace of the two former center-backs, Giorgio Chiellini and Leanardo Bonucci. It will take a team effort not to leave them exposed to England’s speed.

England’s biggest weakness ahead of the final?

Simon: The way England sets up their midfield is mostly about restraining and serving as a buffer for opposition teams trying to break through. Against Denmark it sometimes didn’t work out, with the Danes hurrying eagerly, but without creating too many real and clear chances.

Italy’s midfielder is far superior to Denmark’s and, if they fare well, England’s defensive and deep state of mind could cause pressure they cannot all do. just don’t resist.

On top of that, am I wrong to think that the English defense have at least one howler in this tournament? Jordan Pickford has been outstanding so far, but there were some very volatile semi-final clearances as the pressure started to build.

Which player will be the key?

And: I have a good feeling for Barella. He is on the cusp of becoming a superstar and has had a solid tournament so far. We’ve dubbed him Sardinian Steven Gerrard, but I think he could be our figure of Iniesta in the final, dictating the game and maybe even scoring an epic winner.

Simon: I’ll cheat and take two here. Raheem Sterling is the obvious choice – he has arguably been England’s best player so far in the tournament, but Harry Kane for me is arguably even more vital.

Against Denmark, who at times defended very deeply, his ability to get past those five full-backs and slide to the wide men of Sterling and Bukayo Saka helped England create chances until the end of extra time.

What worries you the most in England?

And: Their legs. We did a lot of their comfortable journey to the final, and while I think they proved they deserve to be there, he POSSESSES It was a huge advantage to play all games except one at home, against easier opposition than Italy.

The Azzurri have good team depth, but so do England, and the Three Lions have a lot of players on the bench who are dangerous and relatively well rested.

If the game is close with 20 minutes to go, I feel like Gareth Southgate will have more ammo to get past the Italians.

What worries you the most in Italy?

Simon: Italy is so strong throughout the park and this overall capacity is going to make the difference.

Their offensive cohesion has the ability to create gaps in and around the English defensive unit and the quality of the players up front means that no matter how strong England is, Italy is only a magical moment to mark.

Not only that, but the defense is solid. Giorgio Chiellini looks like he’s having more fun than he’s been in years for this team, and he’s been brilliant at the back.

What do you reluctantly admire in England?

And: England has been easy to dislike in the past for their sense of entitlement and arrogance unsupported by results. But this group of gamers are disarming and down to earth, and Southgate seems like a lovable dude too.

What do you reluctantly admire in Italy?

Simon: To be honest, whoever organized the making of Italy for this tournament deserves huge credit. Has a manager ever been as elegant as Roberto Mancini in his sideline?

In addition, Fratelli d’Italia is a national anthem banger and seeing how passionately the Italians sing it before the match makes me very envious. I just hope we can hear him and my compatriots don’t boo him.

Prediction?

And: Italy 4-1 England

Simon: Italy 1-0 after extra time.

For England, reaching a major final is extraordinary, a defining moment for generations of supporters who have known nothing but disappointment.

The sympathetic young England side were a revelation and it will be a fitting reward for them and for the bravery of coach Gareth Southgate to lift the trophy in front of the home support. However, I think Italy will be just too strong.

If Italy wins, I will …

And: Kiss each of my office mates singing Nessun Dorma, have a big plate of lasagna and a glass of Chianti for breakfast, then start dreaming about the World Cup in 18 months.

If England wins, I will …

Simon: I’m probably crying a little. Then, when I have regained some composure, sing “It’s Coming Home” and throw beer in the air while eating a bucket of vindaloo, until I can’t sing anymore. Or Dan hits me.