It was a high octane encounter at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona as Italy took on England in the Euros qualifying rounds. Both nations who were finalists in the last European Championships locked horns in Naples.
The Three Lions raced through a two goal lead at half time. Goals from Declan Rice in the 16th minute and Harry Kane’s effort from the penalty spot gave England a famous win in Italy.
Although, Mateo Retegui pulled one back for the Azurri in the 56th minute. But it wasn’t just enough as England tidied up their defence.
Here are the five talking points as England inflicted a bitter defeat to Italy.
Unforgettable Night For Gareth Southgate And His Boys
The victory tonight was a little bit of a history for the Three Lions. This is the first time since 1962 England have recorded a victory on Italy’s soil. That is almost three quarters of a century since they last enjoyed a victory against the Azurri on their home soil. This victory is one they will relish and will be talked about for years to come.
England defeat Italy 2-1 in the first match of their Euro 2024 qualification.
It’s their first away win vs. Italy since 1961 👊 pic.twitter.com/BYC2IkXyzZ
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 23, 2023
Record Breaking Night For Harry Kane
With the conversion from the spot, Tottenham Hotspur striker, Harry Kane becomes England’s all-time leading goalscorer. The skipper of the English side now has 54 goals for his national team. Surpassing Wayne Rooney’s 53 goals.
This year has been an extraordinary one for the 29-year-old striker. Just a month ago, he became Spurs’ all-time leading goalscorer when he scored against Manchester City. Overtaking Jimmy Greaves to the tally.
The forward is also only the third player to score 200+ goals in the English Premier League. Behind Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney.
Is A Towering Target Man Italy Are Missing?
Gone are the days when the Azurri are blessed with target men such as Christian Vieri, Fillipo Inzaghi, Alberto Gilardino and Luca Toni. Italy now lacks a striker that can impose and go toe-to-toe with opposition defence.
Italy Manager, Roberto Mancini gave Mateo Retegui his debut. The Boca Junior striker started as Italy’s point man, but he struggled to find his feet in the game.
Often faced with the challenge and physical battle against John Stones and Harry Maguire. And each time he holds the ball, he often loses it to the opposition. As he can’t keep up with the physicality of England’s defensive pair.
Gianluca Scamacca was introduced late on. He also had limited impact in the game. Ciro Immobile is also another striker who has been in and out of the team. There is also a particular Andrea Belotti in the fold.
These strikers are not akin to the ones Italy possessed in time past. And it seem they are in need of a striker that can give opposition defence a run for their money.
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England Finally Got Their Revenge
Following the Euro 2020 final defeat against this night’s opposition, the Three Lions have finally gotten their revenge. They first sought for it over the two legs of the UEFA Nations League, but they were left disappointed. Drew the first leg at Molineux, then suffered a defeat in Milan in the reversed fixture.
This is a way to exert their revenge on the team they have been longing to defeat in recent years. The win has now made them have a strong grip in their group that consists of Italy, Malta, Ukraine and North Macedonia.
Italy Woes Continue
After their triumph over England in the Euros 2020 final, Italy has lost the identity of the winning mentality they are known for. Roberto Mancini has been looking for what has gone wrong for his side ever since.
They lost against North Macedonia in the FIFA world cup play-off in a miserable fashion. Which subsequently prevented them from going to Qatar. They weren’t so impressive in the Nations League, though they are in the knock-out stages of the competition.
This defeat will serve as a reality check for Mancini and his boys. And hopefully they pick up the positives in it and ultimately build on from there and reclaim their monsters mentality.
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