Italy versus England. For all of the history that two of the world’s premier soccer countries have, they don’t have many memorable head-to-head matchups at major tournaments, particularly in recent years.
Italy did beat England 2-1 in the 2014 World Cup group stage, though that match was quickly forgotten after neither team advanced to the knockout round. Italy also eliminated England on penalties in the Euro 2012 quarterfinals, after a scoreless draw in which the dominant Azzurri had 68% possession and outshot England 36-9.
Sunday’s final is set to top all their previous meetings, with either England winning its first European Championship and first major title since the 1966 World Cup, or Italy lifting its first European Championship trophy in 53 years.
Here are my best bets for the final (3 p.m. ET Sunday on ESPN/ESPN+).
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill.