Il Corriere dello Sport hits out at Danny Makkelie writing the referee ‘helped England’ awarding a non-existent penalty.
The Three Lions booked a place in the Final beating Denmark in the extra time. Harry Kane scored the winner from a penalty rebound with Raheem Sterling that had earned the controversial spot-kick.
Many thought Danny Makkelie’s decision was soft as there appeared to be minimal contact from Atalanta defender Joakim Maehle. Moreover, there were two balls on the pitch and Sterling dribbled past the extra ball before entering the box to get the foul.
Il Corriere dello Sport harshly criticises the Dutch referee, openly writing he ‘helped’ Gareth Southgate’s side.
‘There were two balls on the pitch and the penalty was non-existent,’ the Rome-based paper added on its front page.
La Gazzetta dello Sport’s England correspondent Stefano Boldrini analysed the incident, writing the penalty kick was ‘generous.’
‘It’s a pity because this team needs no help, but that’s what has happened over the last month. UEFA ignored the appeals from two Governments and the World Health Organization, suggesting that there is something in the air,’ the article continues.
Italy meet England in the UEFA Euro 2020 Final on Sunday at Wembley Stadium.
It kicks off at 8 pm UK time and Italy President Sergio Mattarella will be attending the game.
