ENGLAND VS ITALY: THE MTAG WRITERS PREDICT THE EURO 2020 FINAL

England vs Italy. Euro 2020 Final. Need we say more?

The MTAG: More Than A Game writers predict how a battle of 90 minutes (or more) will with their expert predictions.

Without further ado…

Kabir Ali: England 2 Italy 1

It’s fitting that in a tournament full of upsets and lacking quality, but certainly not excitement, it’s the two most tactically cohesive and consistent teams will be battling it out in the final. Italy have looked imperious and unplayable at times under the expert stewardship of Roberto Mancini, stretching their unbeaten run to 33 games at these finals.

But England have succeeded where their predecessors failed routinely since the triumph of ‘66 – displaying togetherness and character to go with the individual star power, the Three Lions have improved with each passing stage of the tournament.

Their rock-solid defence, quality off the bench and game management skills could just be enough to see them over the line. It’s coming home.

Aditya Gokhale: England 1 Italy 1 (Italy win 3-1 AET)

My prediction for the Euro 2020 final is a bit closer than I’d like it to be. As someone who is the opposite of a Three Lions supporter, I’d love to see Italy thrash England around.

However, even my biased self cannot downplay how unbelievable the English have been, especially in defence. Nonetheless, the Azzurri could be a step too far.

The Italians, in my mind will successfully overcome their final hurdle with a win in extra-time.

Amogh Panse: England 2 Italy 1

I believe it’s coming home. I truly respect the way Italy have played throughout the Euros and the Mancini masterclass is beautiful to witness in all its glory.

But let’s be real, England’s time is now or never. It’s been 55 years and they’ve got everything to prove stepping into this final.

Southgate has silenced his critics by putting his philosophy first over public clamour and has only proved why certain young stars are left on the bench, all in all for the greater good of a solid victory.

I see Italy scoring an early Insigne goal through a swift counter-attack but only for England to snatch a leveller early in the second 45 with a towering Maguire header.

A late 80^th minute goal is what I envision with Kane to be etched in the history books.

Let English football have its day.

S. Sooraj: England 1 Italy 2

Easily the two best teams in the tournament and before I get into my prediction, I’m hoping for a cracker of a game. As good as England are, I don’t see them finding a way past Chiellini and Co. easily.

Italy’s counter-attacking style of play, led by Insigne has seen them score some sensational goals in this Euros and I don’t think even the accomplished likes of England’s defence will be able to stop them.

The Three Lions are brimming with quality but as a side, the Azzurri are a cut above for me.

Srinivas Sadhanand: England 1 Italy 0

“Are you not entertained?”

No, we really are and a lot of that’s down to the Azzurri playing a brand of football as smooth as Mancini’s suit.

From Manuel Locatelli’s pre-assist to himself, a pass so good it belongs in the Louvre to Lorenzo Insigne making top bins look standard, Italy have made for essential viewing more than any team in the tournament.

Very un-Italian, if you think of it. And in their quest for immortality stands the most Italian team of all in England- pragmatic, effective and excellent defensively.

And it’s this result-oriented approach that’d make me sleep better if I put my money on the Three Lions.

Ultimately, the Italians will dictate proceedings while the English will sit back, soak the pressure and find a moment to prey on the opposition.

To me, that’ll happen in the 2^nd half before Trippier comes off the bench before Grealish to cap off a very Atletico Madrid-esque win, ironically enough. Basically, the Germany template in a sense.

Unless Gareth Southgate just plays Raheem Sterling on the right to choose violence in the 1v1’s against Emerson and kills the Italian job in a half of football.

Kasper, it’s coming home.

Harshavardhan Ghadge: England 2 Italy 1

Gareth Southgate sat on a pile of prodigious talent for years. Taking that into consideration, the media called for his head when they couldn’t get over the line in Croatia.

As a nation awaits its footballing fate, the Englishman now stands on the cusp of immortality. For a nation that has thirsted long for glory, it is poetic justice that he will command the Three Lions against Italy.

This is more than a game, this is redemption.

Luke Shaw was told he would never walk again, come watch him fly as he carries the hopes of an entire nation. Raheem Sterling was ridiculed, racially abused and today, he stands tall as a national icon.

The game is full of stories and England pack the best of the lot. This Sunday, let the emotional roller coaster peak.

Bring it home boys!