Italy won the Euro 2020 Championship at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday, marking a major upset for England’s desire to win the first major title since the 1966 World Cup.
The championship culminated in a dramatic penalty kick against England following a 1-1 tie that led the match to overtime. The Italian team beat out England 3-2 on penalties.
Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma blocked a final attempt by England’s Buyako Saka to nab the victory, causing the entire stadium to erupt in wild celebration accompanied by emotional displays from players of the respective teams, according to the New York Times.
TICKETLESS FANS STORM LONDON STADIUM AHEAD OF EURO SOCCER FINALS
ITALY, EURO 2020 IS YOURS ???
THEIR SIXTH MAJOR TOURNAMENT TITLE ? pic.twitter.com/jvxutZOSCf
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 11, 2021
The stunning upset was applauded by Italian political figures.
“After so much suffering you give us this great joy: guys we are proud, very proud of you!” former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tweeted.
Video after the victory showed the streets of Milan filled with chanting and smoke as the Italian people celebrated the win.
Milano, Italy. Now. ??? pic.twitter.com/xgEqbw37wZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2021
England also acknowledged Italy’s triumph on Sunday, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge congratulating Italy’s team on “a great victory” while calling England’s loss “heartbreaking” in a Twitter post on Sunday.
“@England, you’ve all come so far, but sadly this time it wasn’t our day. You can all hold your heads high, and be so proud of yourselves — I know there’s more to come,” Prince William wrote.
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The Euro 2020 Championship marked Italy’s first major soccer title since 2006.
