Italy began the defense of its European title with a 2-1 defeat at home against England, this Thursday for the first day of the qualifying phase for Euro 2024.
Mateo Retegui scored Italy’s only goal in the 56th minute, closing his team’s deficit after England had pulled away in the first half through goals from Declan Rice and Harry Kane.
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“The first part was more difficult, but we dominated in the second. We tried to at least tie, which would have been fair”, estimated the Italian coach, Roberto Mancini after the match.
Thanks to this triumph at the Diego Maradona stadium, England takes the lead and strikes a blow on the table in their qualifying group.
Harry Kane retaliated this Thursday with his goal 54 for the ‘Three Lions’, to sign a record scorer for the English team, leaving behind the equality at 53 that he had so far with Wayne Rooney.
“This means a lot. I’m excited to put on the England shirt, come here and start next year’s Euro Cup campaign,” Kane said post-match.
Italy starts badly on the road to the Eurocup and continues to raise many questions.
