24 March 2024
The first men’s international window of 2024 presents Italy with the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming European Championship in Germany, with the tournament set to get underway on 14 June. The Azzurri have had two friendlies in the United States as part of their preparation for the summer, with them still reigning champions after winning the tournament in 2021.
That unforgettable summer, which saw the tournament played 12 months behind schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic, ended in triumph for the Azzurri over England at Wembley with help from contributions of a number of Bianconeri.
So, what better excuse then to look back at that summer’s success?
A DOMINANT GROUP STAGE AT HOME IN ROME
Italy made the most of their passionate home fans as they navigated their way through a home-based group stage.
They kicked off with a 3-0 win over Turkey, and followed that up with a 2-0 win against Switzerland to seal qualification with a game to spare. Those wins came with Manuel Locatelli on the scoresheet, though he was then a Sassuolo player. The group wrapped up with a 1-0 win against Wales.
CHIESA’S BRILLIANCE IN THE LAST 16
Things got more complicated after the groups and Italy faced a stubborn Austria side to start the knockout rounds. Having fallen behind, the Azzurri had to fight back and Federico Chiesa came through with a moment of magic to turn the game in Italy’s favour.
OVERCOMING BELGIUM AND SPAIN TO REACH THE FINAL
A tough quarter-final awaited with Belgium up next, but it was all settled in the first half thanks to an excellent start from the Azzurri.
In the semi-final, Chiesa agin showed his worth with a fine goal for Italy only for another Juventus player, Alvaro Morata, to score for Spain. With the game going all the way to penalties, Juventus icon Giorgio Chiellini left us with the lasting memory of his smiling face during the coin toss with the referee and Spain captain Jordi Alba, winning a huge psychological battle. The Azzurri then went on to win the shootout and Leonardo Bonucci and Federico Bernardeschi were among those to score.
THE FINAL AT WEMBLEY AND AN ICONIC ITALY WIN
The final will go down in history and 11 July, 2021, will never be forgotten by Italian football fans. Taking on England at Wembley was never likely to be easy, and even less so after Luke Shaw put the hosts ahead early on.
But Bonucci turned in to level things up, and Chiellini left us with another unforgettable image as his professional foul on Bukayo Saka produced one of football’s most iconic photos.
This one, like the semi-final, went all the way to penalties and Bonucci and Bernardeschi again dispatched, while Gianluigi Donnarumma’s heroics in goal saw the Azzurri crowned European champions.
