THE finalists were not on the list of favourites to win the Euro 2020 but on Monday morning (3am), England and Italy will battle it out at the Wembley Stadium for the ultimate prize.
England aim to conquer one last ‘massive hurdle’ as they look to home advantage to cap their historic Euro 2020 campaign with victory over Italy.
England reached their first final in 55 years after defeating Denmark 2-1 in a nail-biting semi-final while Italy edged former champions Spain on penalties.
For the first time since beating Germany in the 1966 World Cup final, England will contest the title of a major tournament, while Italy were last champions of Europe in 1968.
As the chance to rewrite history beckons both teams, football fans around the world can look forward to an explosive match at the hallowed stadium.
The Vibes spoke to some football experts, respective leaders from various industries and His Excellency Charles Hay, the British High Commissioner to give their predictions for the Euro 2020 final. However, the Italian Ambassador to Malaysia Cristiano Maggipinto did not give his predictions as he did not want to jinx it for Italy.
His Excellency Charles Hay - British High Commissioner to Malaysia
It is time for England to make history and bring it home. The Italians are a good side, but this is an impressive England team, playing at Wembley. Whatever the result, both teams have helped lift their nation’s spirits after a difficult year. Football will be the winner.
Score prediction: 2-1 England
Tan Sri Norza Zakaria – President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia
England look good but I think Italy have the flair and character to win the Euro 2020. With a strong defence they have a better chance to be European champions again.
Score prediction: 2-0 Italy
Datuk Sri Haji Hamidin Haji Amin – President of the Football Association of Malaysia
I have been losing sleep since the Euros started. I am an England supporter and I am extremely delighted to see them in the final after so long. It was time they stepped up. They are a young team and strong in all departments, which will make them the champions of Europe for the first time.
Score prediction: 1-0 England
Datuk Sri Subahan Kamal – President of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation
Italy will win as they have a solid all round side with so much talent. They will do what it takes to shut Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho, and Jack Grealish up. English attack is too monotonous and easy to read. I am a die-hard England supporter, but I believe Italy will win it.
Score prediction: 2-0 Italy
Stuart Ramalingam – General Secretary of the Football Association of Malaysia
England have home-ground advantage. The team is young, and they have the experience. The team has a solid defence, creative midfield, and a powerful offense, which will make them champions. I support Italy but practically looking at it, I think England will edge them.
Score prediction: 2-1 England
Rizal Hashim – Ballon d’Or Juror
Although I think the world is ready to welcome a new champion of the Euros, Italy have a slight advantage tactically and technically. My head says Italy, for Roberto Mancini has managed to mould a side very much like the 1988-1990 generation, a team resilient in defence but blessed with attacking flair.
Score prediction: 2-0 to Italy
Roberto Guiati – Senior Vice President & Chief executive of Petra Cucina
I believe Italy will win. They are a very strong and united team, their strength is the group not individuals, and they know each other very well. Italy and England play two very different type of football. Italy control the pitch by holding the ball and trying to force their own game with short passes and quick vertical attacks. England are more physical but with great talents, especially in front. Italy hve likely the two best central defenders of the tournament in my opinion. I believe Italy will be able to control the midfield.
Score predictions: 2-0 to Italy
Graham Kendall – Chief executive of Good Capitalism Forum & COO of Sekhar Institute
“Of course, I predict an England win. I would like to think 3-0, if nothing else to save the stress of a tight game and penalties. Italy are obviously a good team, but I am hanging on the words of the famous song which says ‘Three Lions on a shirt. Jules Rimet still gleaming. Thirty years of hurt. Never stopped me dreaming’’. It is now 55 years of hurt which will hopefully stop on Sunday. It’s coming home!”
Score prediction: 3-0 England
Khaw Chia Hui – Chief News Editor, The Vibes
England are playing good football under Gareth Southgate, and they have home advantage in the final. Italy are strong this time but I believe England will have that little luck to edge the Azzurri.
Score prediction: 2-0 to England
Manvir Victor - Executive Editor, the Vibes
My prediction for the winner of Euro 2020 is Italy. They have consistently played exciting football and look like the best all-round team. They have also played the tougher and more in form teams and performed well. This means they are ready for England. Playing on home soil will give England an edge but, in the end, I believe Italy will win this close tie.
Score prediction: 3-2 to Italy
Terence Fernandez – Group Editor-in-Chief, Petra News
My pick is Covid-19. Looking at cities such as London and Budapest throwing caution to the wind with almost capacity arenas, bookies should bet on Euro clusters coming out of the 11 venues.
But back to the football, my money is on Italy to take the Cup for only the second time.
Considering England have home advantage, meeting Italy is going to be another humbling experience for football’s most notorious “almost there” team which always cracks under pressure. The Cup being so close within their grasp will prove too much for Kane & Co playing before an expectant and unforgiving crowd.
It is coming home to Rome.
Score prediction: 2-1 to Italy
