Euro 2012: Three classic ties between England and Italy

England 1 Italy 2 – 1990 World Cup

A late penalty converted by Toto Schillaci sealed this exciting third place play-off as Italy heaped more misery on England after their heart-breaking semi-final defeat to West Germany. Roberto Baggio had scored the opener on 71 minutes when he took full advantage of a lapse in concentration from Peter Shilton. David Platt equalised for the Three Lions with a superb header before Schillaci settled the contest with just four minutes remaining.

England 2 Italy 0 – 1997, Tournoi de France

Proof that England have won a tournament since 1966 – despite losing to Brazil, the Three Lions sealed Le Tournoi “glory” with victories over Italy and France. England performed superbly against the Azzurri, Ian Wright scoring the first thanks to a superb long ball from Paul Scholes before the Manchester United midfielder added a second with a tidy finish.

England 1 Italy 2 – 2002, Friendly

In a warm-up for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, a friendly at Elland Road which most presumed would be a dull affair turned out to be anything but. Robbie Fowler latched onto a loose ball to give England a welcome lead after Joe Cole worked hard to dispossess Andrea Pirlo in midfield. But the Azzurri fought back with two goals from Vincenzo Montella as England suffered a traditional meltdown, the first a curling effort from the edge of the box and the second a penalty in the last minute.

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Read more on: England, Euro 2012, ian wright, italy, joe cole, paul scholes, robbie fowler.