Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved two England penalties in a dramatic 3-2 shootout win after the teams had fought out a 1-1 extra-time draw in the final. For coach Roberto Mancini, who took over after Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, it was a remarkable success, with his young team being unbeaten in 34 matches when they won at Wembley. Five players, Bonucci, Chiesa, Donnarumma, Jorginho and Spinazzola were picked for the team of the tournament. “The national team is a symbol of a country that in difficult moments has always known how to get up again,” Mancini said before the tournament began.

What Roberto Mancini said on receiving the Laureus Statuette: “Thank you for this outstanding Award. I believe it should be shared with the whole team, with the Nazionale, with all the managers, all the players for all our good work in the 2021 season with the victory in the European Championship. Also considering the importance of this prize, truly something to be shared with all the young people of the world.”

Gabriele Gravina, President of the Italian Football Federation, said: “Thanks for having chosen our Federation and our National Team for this Award; a significant Award, especially considering the deep feelings that are subsumed in the purpose of this Award. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini said: “I want to say thank you to the Laureus Academy Members. Last year was fantastic for us to win the European Championship. For me and all my team-mates, we are very happy.”