Italy won UEFA Euro 2020, held across 11 countries in 2021 after COVID-19 forced a one-year postponement of the pan-European tournament.
Key Facts
- Edition
- 16th UEFA European Championship
- Host cities
- 11 cities across 11 UEFA member countries
- Final score
- Italy beat England on penalties after 1–1 draw (AET)
- Original schedule
- 12 June – 12 July 2020
- Actual dates
- June – July 2021
- Defending champions
- Portugal (eliminated in round of 16 by Belgium)
By the Numbers
Cause → Event → Consequence
To mark the 60th anniversary of the UEFA European Championship, UEFA president Michel Platini proposed hosting the tournament across multiple nations rather than a single host country. Originally scheduled for June–July 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced UEFA to postpone the event by one year, while retaining the original name, host cities, and venues.
UEFA Euro 2020 was held in June and July 2021 across 11 cities in 11 UEFA member countries, making it only the second senior international football tournament hosted by more than two nations. The final at Wembley Stadium ended 1–1 after extra time, with Italy defeating England on penalties to claim their second European Championship title.
Italy's victory came exactly 39 years after their 1982 FIFA World Cup final win over West Germany. The tournament was praised for its high scoring rate—the most goals per game in a European Championship since the group stage was introduced—and for its measured use of VAR. Defending champions Portugal were eliminated in the round of 16 by Belgium.
Result
at Wembley Stadium, London (final)