Euro 2020 Final: In-Depth Tactical Breakdown – Italy vs England
The curtain came down on Euro 2020 with a dramatic final that saw Italy outlast England in a fiercely contested match at Wembley. Roberto Mancini’s Italy showcased tactical resilience and adaptability to clinch the title on penalties, while England’s early dominance faded under Italian control. Below, we present a comprehensive analysis of the tactical nuances that defined this captivating final.
Italy’s Tactical System and Second-Half Adjustments
Italy maintained consistency with their starting lineup and core tactics from the semi-final against Spain, deploying a 4-3-3 shape. While the team structure remained familiar, Mancini introduced subtle changes throughout the match to influence key moments. Ciro Immobile once again struggled to make a mark as the focal point, resulting in tactical substitutions. The introduction of Bryan Cristante in midfield ultimately gave Italy greater control, counterbalancing a subdued performance from Nicolo Barella and sparking new momentum as the match progressed.
Italy in Possession: Shaping Play from the Back
With the ball, Italy often transitioned into a 3-2-5 or 3-1-5-1 formation. Emerson advanced on the left flank as Insigne drifted inside, while Jorginho dropped deep alongside the central defenders. Early nerves saw Italy struggle to find rhythm, but after the initial 30 minutes, they asserted control—finishing with 65% of overall possession.
Despite their dominance, Italy’s ball movement was measured rather than rapid or aggressive. Central defenders, particularly Bonucci, recycled possession patiently, probing for opportunities to play vertically into more advanced teammates. Di Lorenzo occasionally pushed high on the right, drawing an England player with him, and helping generate overloads in advanced zones.
Their best moments came when Federico Chiesa, Italy’s most dynamic attacker, picked up the ball and surged centrally to create shooting chances. Chiesa’s willingness to cut inside and attack spaces between English lines brought urgency to Italy’s attacks. After Cristante’s introduction, Insigne found increased space, presenting a greater threat—though finishing quality remained inconsistent. Ultimately, Italy’s equaliser arrived from a set-piece, underscoring their determination and physicality rather than a moment of intricate build-up.
Italy’s Defensive Strategy: Pressing, Disrupting, and Winning Duels
Italy’s defensive work was crucial to shutting England down after the opening half-hour. They alternated between high-press phases and a compact high block. Barella pressed up onto Declan Rice, while Jorginho sought to follow Harry Kane’s unpredictable movement. England found success in transition during the first half, occasionally exploiting space vacated by Jorginho as he dropped back or by Bonucci when he challenged Kane outside the defensive line.
As Italy gained more possession, England’s attacking threat diminished. To stall English forays, Italy frequently used tactical fouls to disrupt rhythm and halt quick breaks, testing the referee’s patience but rarely being punished. Veteran defenders Bonucci and Chiellini provided a formidable barrier, blocking attempts and winning crucial aerial duels, especially on set pieces, to keep England at bay.
England’s Formation Choices and Tactical Shifts
Gareth Southgate started England in an unexpected 3-4-3, featuring Kieran Trippier as a right-wing-back and Mason Mount in a wide role. The setup paid immediate dividends, with wing-backs combining effectively for Luke Shaw’s early opener. However, after Italy’s equaliser, England switched to a 4-3-3, inserting Bukayo Saka for Trippier. This adjustment did not yield the desired attacking extension and instead allowed Italy to claim greater control.
England’s Build-Up Play and Offensive Approach
England began the match with intensity, executing well-drilled strategies to exploit space behind Italy’s backline. The left side saw the majority of initial build-up, with Harry Kane dropping very deep to combine with Rice and Shaw. He then spread the ball to Trippier, who consistently found himself in advanced positions as Emerson tracked Mount’s infield runs. England’s goal epitomised this: a sweeping move from left to right, with Trippier’s cross finished by Shaw.
However, after Italy settled and regained composure, England’s momentum stalled. The Three Lions struggled to progress through Italy’s midfield and rarely advanced with the same fluidity they’d shown in the opening stages. Vertical progression became difficult, with Italy’s defensive adjustments thwarting moves upfield. Substitutions hindered England’s threat further, as the team lost structure and attacking verve.
Defensive Resilience and Tactical Organisation from England
Defensively, England combined committed pressing with organised deeper blocks. Southgate’s side, at times criticised for being overly cautious, reverted to containment after gaining their early advantage. They operated between a high press, particularly effective in the first half, and a compact 5-4-1 or 5-3-2 setup without the ball.
Kalvin Phillips was vital in tracking Marco Verratti and breaking up midfield play, making the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder’s impact minimal on the night. Trippier successfully limited Emerson’s influence on Italy’s left, while centre-backs Maguire and Stones kept Immobile quiet throughout.
England pressed using a diamond shape, with Phillips stepping forward into Italian build-up while support came from Kane, Mount, and Sterling. Though this opened potential gaps behind Phillips, Italy struggled to capitalise, preferring slow, lateral ball circulation. As England sat deeper, Italy were forced wide, often running into a well-drilled English defensive wall.
The single lapse for England came at the set-piece resulting in Italy’s goal. Otherwise, the team displayed significant resolve and discipline, preventing Italy from generating consistent high-quality chances from open play.
Final Thoughts: Tactical Chess Match Ends in Italian Triumph
The Euro 2020 final proved to be a true test of strategy, tactical discipline, and adaptability. Italy’s gradual ascendancy and patient approach eventually wore England down—both tactically and physically. While England impressed with an enterprising start and defensive organisation, Italy’s composure, midfield control, and clever adjustments underlined their championship pedigree.
In summary, Italy’s performance, blending experience with tactical flexibility, ensured their emergence as Euro 2020 champions. Both teams delivered performances to be proud of, but as so often is the case in football, there could be only one winner.
For readers interested in broader analyses of both teams’ tactical journeys throughout the tournament, consider exploring comprehensive reviews of Italy and England’s Euro 2020 campaigns.
