Italian legend Gianfranco Zola admits he ‘knew’ Italy would beat England on penalties in the Euro 2020 Final as the ‘pressure’ was all on the Three Lions.
Italy will defend their European champions status from next week when they make their Euro 2024 debut against Albania in Dortmund.
Three years ago, the Azzurri won the European Championships after beating England on penalties at Wembley Stadium and ex-Chelsea star Zola expected such an outcome after extra time.
During an interview with Sky Sports UK, Zola admitted that Italy struggled in the first half against England, but then the Three Lions only thought about defending, allowing Italy to get back into the game.
Zola ‘knew’ Italy would beat England on penalties in Euro 2020 Final
Veteran Leonardo Bonucci scored the equaliser in the second half, and Zola had already predicted the outcome when the game went to penalties after extra time.
“I promise, when it went to penalties I knew we were going to win because the pressure was all on England,” he said.
Italy will meet Albania, Spain and Croatia in the Euro 2024 group stage.
This coming Sunday, they’ll play the last international friendly before leaving for Germany, hosting Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Stadio Castellani Computergross Arena in Empoli.
We love you gianfranco. Never forget that goal at Wembley, amazing night. Bearing England is always special.