The Euro finals hit three historic milestones! Starring the pair of Bonucci – Chiellini!

Three historic milestones were broken yesterday at the Euro 2020 final (played in 2021). The fastest ever final goal was scored (from Luke Shaw’s kick at 01:57). The oldest ever captain in the history of final clashes entered the match. And the last milestone reached is the goal scoring record of the oldest player in a final match!

One of modern football’s most successful and experienced managers, José Mourinho, said these words in 2018. “Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini could teach at Harvard University and give lessons there on how to be a central defender. They are quality. When I say quality, I don’t just mean creative players. Chiellini-Bonucci is simply a feast for the eyes,” the Portuguese strategist prophesied.

It was the factor of these highly experienced central defenders that was the key to success in the final. They were the key to Italy’s European title. These two players played an incredible 326 matches together (national team and clubs).

As well as winning yesterday’s penalty shoot-out against home team England and becoming Euro champions with the national team, they also made their mark in the annals of football. Chiellini entered the game as captain, making him the oldest captain ever in the history of all European Championship finals. He was 36 years and 331 days old, breaking the record of his former teammate Gianluigi Buffon.

Italian hero Bonucci scored the all-important equalising goal and then converted his own penalty. Emotions were running high throughout the match, his heroic performance and heckling sent the lesser Italian fans into total euphoria!

Bonucci also made Euro final history with his goal. He is now the oldest ever goal scorer in all finals matches. He was 34 years and 71 days old. He broke Bernd Hölzenbein’s record set in 1976.

Bonucci’s message to the fans

A jubilant and happy Bonucci taunted the English after the game, shouting into the camera

That’s a sarcastic reference to the English song, a beloved pop song and symbol of “It is comming home.” It hasn’t happened since 1966.

Anyone who watched the experienced Italian stopper closely on his arrival could see that he had been so-called healthily angry from the start. Which may well have caused the English fans to boo during the Italian national anthem.

Sources: CT Sport, OptaJoe, OGCOM