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Giorgio Chiellini Captained Italy Under 21's In First Official Game At New Wembley 14 Years Ago

Giorgio Chiellini Captained Italy Under 21's In First Official Game At New Wembley 14 Years Ago

The interminable Giorgio Chiellini captains Italy against England in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday night.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Giorgio Chiellini has captained Italy against England at Wembley before, with the interminable defender playing in the first official game at the new national stadium back in 2007.

14 years ago, on March 24, 55,700 fans packed into the new Wembley to see a thrilling 3-3 draw between the Under 21 sides.

Former AC and Inter Milan striker Giampaolo Pazzini scored a hat-trick, including the opener after just 25 seconds, while David Bentley, Wayne Routledge and Matt Derbyshire were all on target for England.

The likes of Anton Ferdinand, Gary Cahill, Leighton Baines, Nigel Reo-Coker, Kieron Richardson and Gabby Agbonhalor were in the England starting XI, while Joe Hart and James Milner were both on the bench.

Italy's side featured Riccardo Montolivo, Antonio Nocerino and Giuseppe Rossi to name just a few, but remarkably, Chiellini is the only player out of either team still playing for their country.

The Juventus legend is renowned for being an absolute warrior on the pitch and he proved it in the first fixture at Wembley when he refused to come off despite splitting his head open.

Caught by a boot in the first half, the former Fiorentina man was bandaged up and back on the pitch in next to no time.

Chiellini turns 37 next month but has showed no signs of declining, with both he and defensive partner Leonardo Bonucci producing a series of imperious defensive displays during the Azzurri's run to the Euro 2020 final.

Image: PA
Image: PA

Roberto Mancini's side have gone 33 games unbeaten - their last defeat coming against Portugal in a UEFA Nations League game in September 2018.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football, Euro 2020, England, Wembley, Giorgio Chiellini, Italy