Coming home or going to Rome?

Coming home or coming Rome?

That’s the burning question just hours ahead of the all important showdown in London. After 50 matches of high intensity football, the winners have been narrowed down to two sides; Italy’s Azzurri and England's Three Lions. Continue reading for semi final analysis, interesting statistics and the player to watch out for from each team.

Semifinal Drama

None of the two matches could be decided in regulation time, providing fans with the usual thrill of knockout football. While Italy overhauled Spain in penalties, Harry Kane and the brits took it to extra time before scoring the winning goal.

In my opinion, Italy wasn’t dominant enough. I had only 387 passes in 120 minutes, as compared to Spain’s 908 passes with 71% possession. We all know Spain loves their tiki - taka but in front of an attacking Italian team, this was surprising. Nevertheless, Chiesa curled a shot that rocketed into the right corner. Twenty minutes later substitute Alvaro Morata made a spectacular run and equalised. Extra time was needed to separate these two teams. Berardi provided his side with a magnificent finish that was unfortunately ruled offside. This match then went on to the penalty shootout. Locatelli’s spot kick was impressively saved by Unai Simon, Danny Olmo’s penalty flew over the bar, Rafael Toloi fired a powerful shot to put Italy in the lead, Gerard Moreno then picked the top right corner which Donarumma couldn't reach, the trusted veteran Bonucci didn’t let his team down and made it 2-1, Thiago used impeccable technique to bring Spain back on level terms, Bernardeschi scored a perfect penalty, Donarumma then denied Morata and finally Jorginho held his nerve to seal the victory!

In the second semifinal, England were easily the more dominant 11 on the pitch with 10 shots on target as compared to the Dane’s 3. Denmark were awarded a free kick in the 30th minute from well outside the box and their forward Mikkel Damsgaard scored one of the best goals in this Euros. His shot went like a tracer bullet and he’s the only one to score against England in this tournament. Just nine minutes later Bukayo Saka gave a wonderful pass to Sterling in front of goal and Denmark’s captain Kjaer made an attempt to block the shot only to tap it into his own net. In the 50th minute Kasper Dolberg took a powerful, accurate shot that kept low but Jordan Pickford did very well to block it out. The game went on to extra time and in the 103rd minute, the referee awarded a penalty for England when Joakim Mæhle fouled Sterling. Many thought that this was the wrong decision, and I agree. However, Harry Kane took the penalty and was denied by Kasper Schmeichel, but the keeper failed to hold on to it and it rebounded nicely for Kane who easily tapped it in. That was all to decide the winner, and even though the penalty call was controversial to some, England found a way to advance to the finals.

What do the statistics say? England vs Italy (Statistics over this tournament)

1. Italy has scored 12 goals compared to 10 from England. The Brits had a shaky goal scoring start in the group stage only scoring 2 out of three matches, but bounced back extremely well netting 8 in the next three. Italy’s natural style is attacking and they have certainly displayed that with loads of goals.

2. At the end of the group stage neither of the teams had conceded a goal. Now at the end of 6 games, Italy have conceded three and the three lions have allowed their opponent only one goal, which was Daamsgard’s stunner in their latest encounter. This is a highly impressive feat and much of the praise can go to Jordan Pickford and their two full backs Luke Shaw and Kyle Walker who haven’t given opposition wingers much space. Roberto Mancini’s side have also been brilliant thanks to their ever reliable center backs Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.

3. The Azzurri have had 59 shots inside the penalty box, more than the English 36. This would suggest Italy are a more attack oriented side than the three lions. However, 42% of England’s shots are on target versus 26% from Italy

Players to watch out for:

Italy - Federico Chiesa :

The Juventus forward makes menacing runs, creates wonderful plays and has a highly effective curling shot. The England full backs will have to be wary of the threat he possesses.

England - Luke Shaw:

Manchester United's left back has stomped back to form with 5 clean sheets and 3 assists. What impressed many is his ability to enter the opponents half and whip in lethal crosses.

Finale at London. The stage is set and the fans are eager. Will the hosts lift their first Euro in front of their home crowd or will the Azzurri extend their unbeaten run to 34 games? Let's find out very soon...