Leonardo Bonucci pointed to Harry Kane’s supposed inability to hold up the ball as one of the surprising details behind his resolute muzzling of the revered England international during the final of Euro 2020.
The legendary centre back was instrumental to Italy’s success at the tournament, featuring in every match and donning the captain’s armband on two occasions. But his most influential contribution came in the final itself.
Italy found themselves contesting the showpiece event with England, who were fighting for their first major title since 1966 and boasted home advantage at Wembley Stadium. Luke Shaw’s second-minute strike had the Three Lions dreaming of ending their drought.
But Bonucci provided the invaluable equaliser in the second half that took the game to extra time and then penalties, with the Azzurri triumphing on spot kicks courtesy of the gigantic frame of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Bonucci was named Player of the Match having emphatically won the battle with Kane, who had scored four times at the tournament prior to the final. Stifling England’s leading goalscorer was essential to the Azzurri claiming the title.
