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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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:
Warm-ups underway
50 up for Southgate?
Gareth Southgate has won 49 of his 81 games in charge of England (D18, L14) and could become only the third manager to win 50 games after Sir Alf Ramsey and Walter Winterbottom.
Ramsey reached the total in 79 games, while Winterbottom took 82 games.
Gareth Southgate gives verdict on England future
Gareth Southgate has left open the possibility of another campaign past Euro 2024, as he refused to confirm this was his last tournament as England manager.
Southgate’s mood after the World Cup quarter-final elimination to France brought him to the brink of quitting, and the abrupt decision to stay naturally created the perception that this would be his last tilt at a trophy. Such questions naturally framed England’s first qualifier back, away to Italy in Naples, but Southgate actively evaded giving such answers.
“Let’s hope we’ve got that opportunity to make that decision,” he eventually joked, after it was directly put to him whether this will be the last tournament.”
Gareth Southgate gives verdict on England future
The England manager decided to stay on following the quarter-final defeat to France in Qatar
Remembering Vialli
Italy will wear a special message on their shirts for Gianluca Vialli, a member of Roberto Mancini’s coaching staff, who died at the age of 58 in January following a battle with cancer.
“[It will be] very emotional,” said the Italy manager, “It’s the first time we have played a game since Luca’s passing. We were very fortunate enough to have him as a teammate and a player.
“He is immortal and people like that will always be near to us.”
Southgate excited to play in Naples
Gareth Southgate played down the issue of potential hooliganism in Naples tonight saying he was "excited" to travel to the city.
"I have never been to Naples before and the history of football here is really rich," he said. "I am excited about playing in a city that loves football, with a great history.
"I can just about remember [Diego] Maradona when they [Napoli] won the league.
"Always we ask our fans to be good tourists and respect the local culture and we hope the game and the next couple of days passes with no problems."
Will Harry Kane break the English record?
Harry Kane is one goal away from becoming England’s leading goalscorer. He currently shares the honour with Wayne Rooney but can go clear of the former Manchester United striker if he scores in Naples.
Here’s how he currently sits in the standings:
- Wayne Rooney - 53 goals
- Harry Kane - 53 goals
- Sir Bobby Charlton - 49 goals
- Gary Lineker - 48 goals
- Jimmy Greaves - 44 goals
Italy starting line-up
Italy XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Acerbi, Toloi, Spinazzola; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Berardi, Retegui, Pellegrini
Can Harry Kane banish bad World Cup memories?
Harry Kane will make his first England appearance since the World Cup quarter-final defeat to France, a rare low point in a stellar career for Tottenham and his country.
The 29 year old is currently level with Wayne Rooney as England’s all-time leading goalscorer.
“I haven’t really felt the need to pick the phone up since the World Cup,” said Southgate. “It [his recovery] is there in his performances for Spurs.
“Sometimes you can busy yourself and look for a pat on the back by getting in touch with a player but I can’t take any credit for what he’s done.
“What I’ve observed is a player still super-confident, still ready to perform, still hungry to score goals. He’s obviously gone through the personal landmark with Spurs and then there’s this one that he’s going to nail with us at some point.”
Declan Rice hits back at Graeme Souness criticism: ‘It’s harsh’
Declan Rice has said Graeme Souness‘ criticism of his game is “harsh” because he “doesn’t watch West Ham every week”, as the England midfielder insisted he generally takes pundit scrutiny on board to improve his game.
The 24-year-old illustrated this by noting the balance in the opinions Roy Keane has offered. Both Sky Sports pundits have scrutinised Rice’s game of late, pointing to how he is superb at winning the ball, but is lacking in the two other main attributes of passing and scoring goals.
“It’s harsh,” Rice said. “I think it’s harsh because Souness doesn’t watch West Ham every week.
“There’s loads of West Ham fans, 60,000 go every week, and see what I do. So I think to say I’m only good at one of three is harsh but Souness was a top midfielder, a top player and when someone like him speaks you have to sometimes listen and take on board where you can improve if that’s true. And obviously Roy as well.”
Declan Rice hits back at Graeme Souness criticism: ‘It’s harsh’
Souness and Keane have said the West Ham midfielder is lacking in some key areas of his game
Southgate assured fan unrest unlikely
Gareth Southgate insists the Football Association has had assurances over fan safety ahead of England’s trip to Europe’s football hooligan hotspot, Naples.
FA chiefs have tried to allay fears by insisting the England game will not be classed as high risk as Napoli fans have a tradition of not following the Italian national team.
Many regular England fans are taking day trips to avoid trouble and are concerned about a potential flashpoint in the city that was chosen ahead of Milan and Rome, which were considered the more likely venues.
England boss Southgate said: “In the end, it’s for the Italian FA to decide where they play their games. Clearly, our organisation will always try to make the travelling experience as smooth as possible for our fans and that’s important.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments