Italy

Lore & Background

The narrative of this rivalry is often written in the margins of major tournaments, defined by moments where England's attacking intent was met with Italy's renowned 'Catenaccio' or modern tactical rigidity. For decades, the two nations viewed each other as the ultimate test of adaptability; could English power break down Italian steel? The 1968 European Championship final remains a legendary chapter, with Italy winning 2-0 in a replay after a 1-1 draw in the first match against Yugoslavia, highlighting the deadlock that often characterizes these encounters.

In modern times, the rivalry reached its zenith in the UEFA Euro 2020 Final at Wembley. It was a match of immense tension where Italy's clinical efficiency neutralized England's youthful exuberance until the penalty shootout. This encounter cemented the relationship as one of the most significant in recent English football history, marking Italy's victory over England in a major final on home soil.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere at Wembley was thick enough to choke, a sea of white and blue under the floodlights. The final whistle had blown after extra time, leaving both teams breathless and exhausted. For England, it felt like a familiar ghost from 1968; for Italy, it was the culmination of decades of tactical perfection. As the captains stepped up to draw lots for the shoot-out, the weight of history pressed down on the pitch. Every step taken by the strikers echoed with the memories of past failures and future hopes, turning a simple game into a defining moment of national identity.

Reader's Guide

The England-Italy rivalry traces its roots back to friendly matches in the mid-20th century but truly solidified during the knockout stages of major tournaments. The cultural context is fascinating: England often relies on pace and direct play, while Italy traditionally prioritizes structural integrity and defensive organization.

Key historical encounters include the 1968 European Championship final, a two-legged affair that ended in a coin toss, and the dramatic Euro 2020 Final decided by penalties. These matches have shaped England's narrative of 'what could have been,' often serving as the specific hurdle preventing total glory.

The rivalry is not just about tactics but also about national pride and footballing identity. Each meeting tests whether English evolution can overcome Italian resilience, creating a dynamic that has produced some of the most memorable moments in international football history.

Did You Know?

• The 1968 European Championship final was between Italy and Yugoslavia, with Italy winning 2-0 in a replay after a 1-1 draw in the first match. England did not participate in that final.
• Italy defeated England in the Euro 2020 Final via a penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium.
• Gianluigi Buffon, one of Italy's greatest ever goalkeepers, faced England multiple times during his illustrious career.
• The two nations have met in major tournament semi-finals and finals more often than many other top European rivals.

The Azzurri's Golden Era and Historic Dominance

Italy stands as one of the most decorated nations in international football history, boasting four FIFA World Cup titles. Their journey began with back-to-back victories in 1934 and 1938 under coach Vittorio Pozzo, making them the first team ever to defend a World Cup title. Due to the global conflict of World War II, they retained this trophy for twelve years before adding two more crowns in 1982 and 2006. Beyond these triumphs, the national side reached two additional World Cup finals in 1970 and 1994, securing third place in 1990 and fourth in 1978. Their success extends to continental play as well; they claimed European Championship glory twice, first in 1968 and most recently in 2020, while also finishing as runners-up in 2000 and 2012. This consistent excellence was further highlighted by their Olympic gold medal win in 1936 and two Central European International Cup victories in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Origins, Identity, and Early Struggles

The Italian national team, known affectionately as 'gli Azzurri' or the Blues, traces its official origins to a match against France on May 15, 1910, in Milan. The color blue was chosen to represent the House of Savoy, the royal family that reigned over the Kingdom of Italy at the time. Before their first World Cup success, the team faced significant growing pains and tragedies. A devastating plane crash in 1949 claimed the lives of ten players from the Torino club, severely weakening the national squad for the 1950 tournament. The team also suffered humiliating early exits, such as losing to North Korea in the 1966 World Cup despite being favorites, an event that led to angry fans pelting their bus with fruit upon return. Despite these setbacks and a failure to qualify for the 1958 World Cup, they eventually rebuilt their reputation through the Central European International Cups and Olympic success in the late 1920s and 1930s.

Modern Resilience and Recent Challenges

In recent decades, Italy has experienced a rollercoaster of highs and lows. They held the record for the longest unbeaten run in competitive men's international football with 37 matches between October 2018 and September 2021, a streak eventually surpassed by Spain. However, this period also marked their most difficult era regarding World Cup qualification. After failing to qualify for the 2018 tournament—their first absence since 1958—they missed out on both the 2022 and 2026 competitions as well, resulting in their longest-ever exclusion from the global stage. Their FIFA ranking reflected this volatility, dropping to a low of 21st place in August 2018 after previously holding the number one spot multiple times between 1993 and 2007. Despite these struggles, they managed to secure third-place finishes at the UEFA Nations League in both 2021 and 2023, showing resilience even during their absence from major tournaments.

Global Rivalries and Competitive Legacy

The Italian national team has forged intense rivalries with footballing powerhouses such as Brazil, France, Germany, Spain, and England over the decades. Their competitive footprint is vast, having competed in almost every major international tournament since their inception. While they have dominated the World Cup and European Championship, Italy has also found success in other prestigious competitions. They finished as runners-up in the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions in 2022 and secured third place at the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013. The team's technical headquarters is located at the Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano in Florence, serving as the hub for their development under the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). This federation, a co-founder of UEFA, manages the team's operations across various stadiums throughout Italy, ensuring that the legacy of 'gli Azzurri' continues to be nurtured despite recent qualification difficulties.