Reigning UEFA European Championship kings Italy began their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign on a negative note, as they were beaten 2-1 by the Three Lions of England at the Stadio Diego Maradona in Naples on Thursday night.
The visitors enjoyed more of the possession in the opening exchanges and were rewarded in the 13th minute as Declan Rice fired home, after Harry Kane’s shot was blocked off a Bukayo Saka corner-kick.
The scoreline soon changed shortly before the interval, as the center referee blew his whistle for a penalty after consulting with the VAR. Captain Harry Kane stepped up and converted to register his 54th international goal for the Three Lions and become his country’s all-time record scorer.
The second half saw the hosts become more involved and assertive in the tie. 23 year-old Argentine-born Retegui made his debut one to remember as he slotted past Jordan Pickford to give the Azzurri a lifeline.
Late on, Luke Shaw was sent off following two bookings, but the Italians could not make the numerical advantage count as England recorded a first victory over Italy on their home soil for the first time in 61 years.
🔴 Live Blog:
FULL-TIME AT THE STADIO DIEGO MARADONA: Italy 1-2 England
RED CARD!!! For Luke Shaw
80′ MIN: Luke Shaw is given his marching orders and his night is over.
GOOOAAALLL!!! Italy 1-2 England (Retegui)
56′ MIN: A turnover from England defender Harry Maguire leads to the Azzurri pulling a goal back through debutant Retegui.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE STADIO DIEGO MARADONA: Italy 0-2 England
A very comfortable opening period sees the Three Lions go into the interval with the lead. Declan Rice and Harry Kane with the goals for Gareth Southgate’s side.
HALF-TIME AT THE STADIO DIEGO MARADONA: Italy 0-2 England
GOOOAAALLL!!! Italy 0-2 England (H. Kane)
44′ MIN: Harry Kane converts from twelve yards to give the Three Lions se breathing space. He also becomes England’s all-time record scorer in the process.
PENALTY!!! To England
GOOOAAALLL!!! Italy 0-1 England (D. Rice)
13′ MIN: A corner is whipped into the area and Harry Kane’s shot is blocked, but the ball falls kindly to Declan Rice who rifles home.
KICK-OFF AT THE STADIO DIEGO MARADONA: Italy 0-0 England
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