Mancini sends warning to rivals after Italy's Euro 2020 triumph

Italy manager Roberto Mancini had a word of warning for the team’s rivals after overcoming England in the Euro 2020 final.

Italy can still improve after they ‘dominated’ England in the Euro 2020 final, says Roberto Mancini.

The Azzurri claimed a second European Championship title, and a first since 1968, on Sunday by overcoming England 3-2 on penalties upon finishing 1-1 after extra-time at Wembley. It was their second shootout victory in as many games, having beaten Spain on penalties in the semi-finals.

Nonetheless, Italy scored an impressive 13 goals in their seven Euro 2020 outings and conceded just four times. They also extended their unbeaten to 34 matches across all competitions.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nazionale Italiana di Calcio (@azzurri)

“It was impossible to even think about it, but the lads were extraordinary,” Mancini told Sky Italia on Sunday’s victory over England.

“I have no words for them. This is a wonderful group. It wasn’t an easy game, and this one developed to become very difficult, but then we dominated it.

“On penalties you need to have a bit of luck and I’m also a bit sorry for the English.

“This team has grown a lot, I think we can still improve. We are happy for the Italians, I have no words for these guys.”

The Italians initially fell behind following Luke Shaw’s second-minute opener. But Mancini’s men eventually found their way back into the game, with Leonardo Bonucci scoring a second-half equalizer. To their credit, they remained unfazed by the many England fans at Wembley, held 65% of ball possession, and had 19 shots on goal compared to their opponents’ six.

After failing to find a winner after extra-time, Italy came from behind to beat England 3-2 on penalties despite Andrea Belotti and Jorginho missing their spot-kicks.

Football may have gone to Rome instead, but Italy were worthy winners. From failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup to European champions today, Mancini’s side have pulled off a remarkable comeback.