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Italy vs England LIVE: Result, final score and reaction as Three Lions triumph in Naples

Italy 1-2 England: Goals from Declan Rice and Harry Kane earn England a first win in Italy for over 60 years

Michael Jones
Thursday 23 March 2023 18:33 EDT
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England triumphed in Italy for the first time in 60 years as they defeated Italy in the opening match of the Euro 2024 quailfiers.

A few nervous opening minutes looked likely to set the tone for England as Italy attempted to assert some dominance on the game. Gareth Southgate’s men changed the momentum though through the opening goal just after the quarter-hour mark with Declan Rice turning home a rebound Harry Kane shot.

From there England controlled the first half and made some history when Harry Kane converted from the spot to move ahead of Wayne Rooney as England’s all-time leading goalscorer.

The second half was a contrasting affair. Italy came out with aplomb and England were forced deep into their own half. The hosts created chance after chance with Roberto Mancini utilising the fresh legs of his substitutes. Mateo Retegui then netted on his Italy debut to bring the hosts back into the match.

Two yellows cards inside a minute for Luke Shaw saw the England left-back sent off with over 10 minutes to go but despite the increased pressure the Three Lions held onto their lead and claimed a famous victory over the European champions.

Relive all the action as Italy host England in a Euro 2024 qualifier:

Italy 1-2 England

78 mins: The ball comes down the line and is collected by Gnonto on the left wing. He flicks the ball into the box and Shaw does just enough to head the ball past Politano who’s arriving at the back post.

Shaw is then booked for time-wasting. Three of England’s back four are now on yellow cards. Time for some changes Gareth?

Michael Jones23 March 2023 21:23

Italy 1-2 England

75 mins: England look slightly panicked when Italy decide to run at their defence. Spinazzola and Gnonto both make runs towards Walker but Saka tracks back to help of and both men keep the ball out of the penalty area.

Michael Jones23 March 2023 21:21

Italy 1-2 England

72 mins: Kane knows waht he’s doing when he takes possession of the ball over by the right wing. He leans into a tackle from Tonali and wins a free kick for England.

Less than 20 minutes of this qualifier to go. It will be a huge win if England can see it out.

Michael Jones23 March 2023 21:19

Italy 1-2 England

69 mins: Gareth Southgate finally responds to Italy’s plethora of substitutions by bringing on Phil Foden to replace Jack Grealish. The England boss will be hoping Foden can help his team maintain more possession.

Michael Jones23 March 2023 21:15

Italy 1-2 England

66 mins: Grealish is put under pressure from Politano trying to clear his lines and has to send the ball out for a corner.

Politano then swings the ball into the box but Stones is there to nod it up to Bellingham who wins a free kick and more importantly a respite for the Three Lions.

Michael Jones23 March 2023 21:14

Italy 1-2 England

63 mins: Kalvin Phillips has now played more minutes for England tonight than he has done for Manchester City in the Premier League this season. That’s crazy and the midfielder is starting to look tired.

Italy still come at England. Jorginho tries to slip Retegui into the box but Maguire gets over and clears the danger.

Michael Jones23 March 2023 21:10

Italy 1-2 England

60 mins: England need to get a grip of themselve. Italy have been the better team since the game restarted and that goal from Mateo Retegui - on debut no less - was a blinder.

The Three Lions need to get possession and keep the ball for a while. At the minute it’s all Italy.

Verratti takes a shot from just outside the box and has his effort blocked by John Stones.

Michael Jones23 March 2023 21:07

GOAL! Italy 1-2 England (Retegui, 56’)⚽️

56 mins: Italy get one back! Nicolo Barella is tackled by Harry Maguire but not before offloading the ball to Verratti. Verratti sends it across to Pellegrini who slips a pass into the box.

Retegui is wide open in the vacant space left by Maguire. He touches the ball under control then slots it past Jordan Pickford!

Michael Jones23 March 2023 21:04

Italy 0-2 England

54 mins: There’s more frustration on show from Italy’s young forward Mateo Retegui. He blasts one at goal from around 35-yards and watches as his shot rises over the crossbar.

Michael Jones23 March 2023 21:02

Italy 0-2 England

51 mins: Kane is fine, he was just winded a bit.

Italy are turning the heat up here. Marco Verratti brings the ball to the edge of England penalty area and slips a lovely pass across to Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Kyle Walker does enough to force the forward wide and his effort sails past the near post.

Michael Jones23 March 2023 20:57

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