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Italy secured a famous win over England in the final of the Euro 2020 to clinch their first win in a major tournament since they won the world cup in 2006.
In a game which many expected to be cagey in the early stages, Luke Shaw gave England the lead after just two minutes as he made a late run into the box to volley home a cross from Kieran Trippier.
The early goal did not spark Italy's game as the host country looked more likely to double their lead than the Italians looked to draw level.
Despite opting for a cautious approach and allowing the Italians possession, the Three Lions looked electric and impressive on the break.
However, Italy grew into the game and gently probed about the English side's defense with neat, intricate passing in search of an equalizer, but England held firm to take the lead into halftime.
The Italians began the second half on a far more positive note and did not allow Gareth Southgate's men any time on the ball in their quest to level the tie.
Italy finally got their leveler in the 67th minute as Leonardo Bonucci was on hand in the box to turn home a save from Jordan Pickford.
Both sides went back and forth in search of the winner but neither could get it till the end of extra-time and the game went on to penalties.
Italy won the penalty shootout 3-2 with Gianluigi Donnarumma getting the decisive save by denying Bukayo Saka's spot-kick to secure the European Championship for the Azzurri. On that note, we take a look at five talking points from the game.
#5 The Luke Shaw renaissance continues
Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw has had trying times both at national and club level. Particularly with his severe injury in 2015, which almost ended the career of the highly promising young player at the time.
After his recovery, Manchester United's then-manager Jose Mourinho had no faith in the Englishman and openly criticized his work-ethic and football ability. However, Shaw kept his head down and continued to develop himself under the Portuguese.
Manchester United's appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2019 began a meteoric return to stardom for Shaw. The defender was a standout player for the Old Trafford side last season and expertly translated that form to the international stage at Euro 2020 for England.
Missing only the opening game, Shaw started every other game for the Three Lions and was easily one of the best players in the side, contributing three assists to help his nation to the finals as well as getting the opener against Italy in the finals.
#4 Italy star Federico Chiesa shows his class against England
Chiesa unfortunately came off with injury in the dying minutes of normal time but the winger exited the field of play as the best Italian player, if not the best player.
Chiesa started a third straight game for Italy at the Euros and was as usual full of running and pressing throughout the game. England midfielder Kalvin Phillips in particular struggled to cope with the running and combativeness of the Juventus man.
Although the 23-year-old did not get on the scoresheet, he was Italy's biggest threat all game as he looked to create something for his side by constantly driving forward with forceful penetrative runs.
#3 More penalty drama at Euro 2020
This edition of the European Championship saw several games head past extra-time and into penalties. The final was no different as neither side could get a winner after 120 minutes and the game had to be decided by penalties.
Italy took the first penalty kick with Berardi converting calmly to give Italy the lead. England captain Harry Kane went next and emphatically leveled the scores.
Torino striker Andrea Belotti took the next penalty kick for Italy but did not do enough to beat Pickford in the England goal, allowing Harry Maguire to hand England the lead on his attempt which was England's second.
However, England lost their final three kicks with Marcus Rashford hitting the post with his effort, while Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka had their efforts saved by Donnarumma which ultimately clinched the win for Italy.
#2 The Mancini Revolution at Italy is complete
Roberto Mancini was appointed Italy manager in 2018 after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup. He was tasked with restructuring the national side after their unfortunate World Cup qualifying campaign.
Mancini's assignment was a very difficult one to say the least, however the seasoned manager expertly handled the task.
He slowly and expertly moved on a few older players and injected the team with youth and vibrancy to set up a very impressive balance of youth and experience.
In Mancini's first five games in charge of the historic nation, he managed just one win while losing twice.
However, he ignored reports of his supposed failure with the nation and kept faith with his philosophy, leading the team to a 34-game unbeaten run, which saw them win the European Championship.
The Italians were among the favorites coming into the tournament and lived up to their billing as they scored 13 goals and conceded just four times in a very impressive and deserving Euro 2020 triumph.
#1 It's going to Rome
England fans heralded the cry of 'It's Coming Home' as they longed to end their 52-year wait for a trophy at the 2018 World Cup. However, it eluded the Three Lions as they exited the competition in the semifinals.
Euro 2020 was another chance for the Premier League stars to once again secure silverware for the nation and once again 'It's Coming Home' chants were heard across the country.
For every game won by the Three Lions and for every hurdle scaled, belief was high across the country as it looked like the five decade long wait was finally over.
England's qualification for the final was an achievement in itself as they had not qualified for the final of a major tournament in as many years with their last final appearance coming in the 1966 World Cup which they won.
In a nail-bitting contest, the Three Lions could not get past the Italians and had to settle for second place as the trophy looked set to head to Rome.
However, with another World Cup coming next year, it won't be long before we hear those three-word chants again.
