Euro 2020

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      West Ham could not be prouder of our England Euro 2020 hero Declan Rice, says Karren Brady

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      AMID the scenes of unbridled joy that engulfed Wembley after the final whistle, West Ham’s own Declan Rice once again demonstrated why he is one of the brightest young sporting personalities this country has produced.With emotion running wild and team-mates leaping around him, Declan — with that familiar beaming grin stretched across his face — revealed he had become an uncle again at virtually the same moment Harry Kane fired the ball past Kasper Schmeichel in extra-time to send England into their first major tournament final in 55 years.
      Declan Rice has starred in midfield for England during the EurosCredit: PA
      He said: “My brother has literally had a baby as the second goal went in. He’s crying his eyes out. He’s had a little girl.
      “It’s a special night all round. It’s our first final since ’66 so I want to do it for the people at home. I’m a fan as well — I wish I was with them cheering.”
      And that, in essence, sums up Declan.
      A genuine, polite and humble young man, absolutely dedicated to his family and his football. A fan at heart who — had he not been playing a key role in Gareth Southgate’s midfield engine room on Wednesday — would have been in the stands or in front of the TV with the rest of us, cheering on the Three Lions.
      For us at West Ham United, it is no surprise to see Declan representing himself, his family and his nation with such character and integrity both on and off the pitch.
      He has been representing his club in exactly the same way, showing that unassuming yet commanding leadership with the willingness to keep learning and improving ever since he first came through the doors of the academy at Chadwell Heath and we couldn’t be prouder.
      He epitomises the Never Give Up attitude that has been instilled as a key pillar of the West Ham Way since Arnold Hills formed the club.
      Despite his rise to fame since his first-team debut just over four years ago, he has remained the same popular, likeable and unaffected ‘Dec’ — adored and admired by team-mates, coaches and staff alike.

      Declan Rice remains a hugely popular figure in the dressing roomCredit: The Sun
      West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady is a columnist for SunSportCredit: PR Handout – Free to use
      When our Under-23 academy team are playing, you will often see him in the stands, there to support the lads he came through the junior ranks alongside, while he regularly pops back to Chadwell Heath to chat with the coaches who steered his early development or offer a word of advice to the youngsters.
      Of course, he has learned from the best in Mark Noble, who has guided him in understanding what it takes to wear the armband and lead our club, not only on the pitch but off it, too.
      His efforts to support our community during the pandemic, be that a call to the over 70s or our Any Old Irons, have been a true demonstration of his character.
      In my almost 30 years of working in the professional game, I can safely say Declan is up there with the greats.
      A young player who reaches the very pinnacle of the game, representing his country on the biggest stage of all, yet at the same time retaining the endearing, down-to-earth qualities that earn such respect and admiration among both his peers and public. He is a superstar, yet still the boy next door.

      ⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

      Now he can follow in the footsteps of three of his West Ham academy predecessors by helping England to tournament glory for only the second time in our nation’s history.
      Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters earned immortality at Wembley on July 30, 1966.
      Tomorrow, Declan Rice can secure his own place in the pantheon of greats. Nobody deserves it more.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England train ahead of their massive Euro 2020 final game against Italy More

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      ITV’s lead commentator Sam Matterface ahead of England’s Euro 2020 final: ‘My entire career behind mic has led to this’

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      EVERYTHING I’ve done in my 21 years behind the mic has led to this moment.I know how privileged I am to be in this position talking about football and witnessing history.
      Commentating on England’s final will be the pinnacle of Sam Matterface’s careerCredit: Rex
      Sometimes you get swept up in the emotion of it all and realise what we’re watching with this England team.
      There were a few moments during the Denmark game that I had to just stop and take a breath and let the audience take stock of the wild scenes at Wembley.
      These are the times you need to savour. Seeing the emotion on fan’s faces and singing Sweet Caroline, I just had to take it in.
      I don’t know where I’d have been mentally without football over the last 16-17 months we’ve had.
      It’s been tough for a lot of people, but this England team is providing an outlet for some joyous emotion.
      There’s not many people that get to commentate on our national team to the audiences I have.
      I will never take that for granted. To be able to call the final will be amazing and I understand the responsibility that brings.
      It’s an honour to do what I do. I will never ever, ever tire of getting to say those words at the start: ‘Thanks Mark, good evening everyone’.

      Sam Matterface can’t wait for the Euros final to get underwayCredit: The Sun
      Gareth Southgate has helped bring pride back to the nationCredit: The Mega Agency
      I had so much nervous energy before the Scotland game I had to go to the gym for hours…I was ready for the game to start at 2pm.
      I’ll have to do the same on Sunday.
      I’m lucky to work with so many amazing people at ITV and we have built our own fantastic team spirit during this campaign.
      I do a lot of prep before every game and try to visualise situations that could happen in the game before I go on air.
      But there are some things you can’t prepare for and Sunday is an occasion where the event takes care of itself.
      Gareth and these England players have given us back our love for the national team.
      He’s told his players they can represent an entire generation on the football field.
      They are inspiring a nation.

      ⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

      We’ve had great viewing figures on ITV precisely because of the heroics of this England team.
      Southgate has given the players to chance to express themselves and because it’s on terrestrial TV, it gives kids the chance to fall in love with the game.
      I’m very fortunate to do what I do on the radio at talkSPORT and TV, but if Harry Kane lifts the trophy on Sunday, it will be the pinnacle of my career.
      Everyone dreams of covering a successful England team and to do that on Sunday after 55 years would be so special.
      Let’s hope we all witness history …AGAIN on ITV just like we did on Wednesday.

      ITV’s live coverage of the Euro 2020 final starts at 6.30pm on Sunday.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England train ahead of their massive Euro 2020 final game against Italy More

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      Euro 2020 Final: Kuipers man-management skills and decision-making make him perfect ref for England vs Italy at Wembley

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      BJORN KUIPERS is the best referee in world football and I’m delighted he’s in charge of England’s mammoth Euro 2020 final clash with Italy.Uefa’s big call was between the Dutchman and Germany’s Felix Brych but I thought Kuipers would get the Wembley gig.
      Experienced referee Bjorn Kuipers will take charge of the Euros finalCredit: Getty
      His experience, man-management skills and decision-making set him apart from the rest.
      This will be Kuipers’ seventh Uefa competition final, having officiated huge matches, including the 2014 Champions League showpiece between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid and two Europa League finals.
      The official has been at the last two World Cups, so a game of this magnitude will hold no fears for him.
      He can handle big personalities too — and once told Brazil ace Neymar to shut up at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
      The 48-year-old has a calming influence on players, he smiles and laughs with them — and that helps the game to breathe and flow.
      England’s discipline has been first-class but they must keep that up in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of a final.
      Kuipers has taken charge of three games so far and issued ten yellow cards.

      ⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

      Former referee Mark Halsey believes Uefa have the best man on the jobCredit: Rex

      England have had mixed fortunes at tournaments when the Dutchman has taken charge of their matches.
      He was the ref in the 2014 World Cup opening group- game defeat to the Italians but was also in charge for the 2018 quarter-final win over Sweden.
      I believe Kuipers has been earmarked for the final for some time and I wish him and his team all the best.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England train ahead of their massive Euro 2020 final game against Italy More

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      Ex-Chelsea ace Shevchenko claims he’s ‘mad’ for Jack Grealish but defends Southgate subbing England star against Denmark

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      UKRAINE manager Andriy Shevchenko has become the latest member of the Jack Grealish fan club.Yet the former Chelsea striker defended England boss Gareth Southgate for subbing the Aston Villa captain against Denmark.
      Andriy Shevchenko has revealed he is a huge fan of England star Jack GrealishCredit: Reuters
      The Ukraine boss embraced the Aston Villa captain after the Three Lions’ win in RomeCredit: Getty
      Wembley was abuzz with excitement when Grealish came on in the 68th minute of Wednesday’s 2-1 semi-final victory over the Danes.
      But he lasted just 36 minutes on the pitch, before being sacrificed for a more defensive option in Kieran Trippier after England went ahead.
      SunSport revealed that Grealish became just the third Three Lions substitute to be hauled off during a tournament match ever.
      BETTING SPECIAL – Get McGregor to win by knockout, TKO or DQ at 40/1
      ITV pundit Gary Neville called it ’embarrassing’ to happen to a player but Shevchenko threw his support behind Southgate’s decision.
      He told the Telegraph: “The team reflects the manager and what I like is the relationship between him and the players because the players trust him.
      “When he changes something, the players don’t have any argument with him. Change the system, bam. He can sacrifice the players, like Jack Grealish in the semi-final.
      “I thought he came very nicely into the game. He gives some fantasy to the game. I actually really like him.
      I actually really like him. But when the coach substituted him, he was doing what was good for the team Andriy Shevchenko on Jack Grealish
      “But when the coach substituted him, he was doing what was good for the team and then the team won and the result is more important.”
      Shevchenko embraced Grealish after England’s win over Ukraine in Rome last week despite the playmaker remaining an unused sub.
      And the AC Milan icon has revealed how much of a fan of the 25-year-old he is as he tipped him to make an impact in Sunday’s final against Italy.
      He added: “I’ve been watching his performances for Aston Villa.

      “He’s a very talented, nice player. I like how he plays. Fans appreciate his style and I do as well.
      “I complimented him on his season and then complimented him for his style because he plays with the freedom, he’s always a creative player.
      “It’s nice to have a player like him in the team because you always can play that card when you need it.”
      England manager Gareth Southgate explains ’embarrassing’ Jack Grealish sub against Denmark More

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      Roman gladiator mauled by Sun mascot Harry Mane ahead of Euro 2020 final

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      THE Sun’s lion mascot Harry Mane roared into Rome and defeated a gladiator in battle ahead of the Euro final.He showed England’s Italian rivals just what they will be up against in Sunday night’s Wembley showdown.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Sun Mascot Harry Mane took on a Roman gladiator ahead of the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      Harry Mane was victorious in a positive omen for EnglandCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      Harry marked his victory by placing his foot on the vanquished foe as another Roman was shown looking on in horror.
      And in another bad omen for the Italians, their training camp was disrupted by a Covid outbreak yesterday.
      As the gods appeared to be smiling on England, Harry posed behind enemy lines at some of the capital’s iconic landmarks including the Colosseum.
      Despite the warning of their looming conquest by Three Lions captain Harry Kane and his warriors, our mascot was mobbed by cheerful Italians who loved the mascot.
      But a showdown dating back centuries kicked off during a visit to the Rome Gladiator School.
      After emerging triumphant from the sword duel, our lion said: “It was a great victory and shows we can go all the way.
      “It’s definitely coming home! This is a terrific sign we’re going to win. We have the passion, fight and desire and I can see us going all the way.
      “Beating a gladiator is a great start.”
      Defeated gladiator Asticus said: “I was no match for Harry Mane. He was too good. It was good fun though.
      “I’m not sure about the final now. I’m very worried. I think we’re in trouble!”
      Italy were hit by the last minute Covid scare when three of the media pack following hardman skipper Giorgio Chiellini and co tested positive.
      Italy were rocked with a Covid scare ahead of Sunday’s finalCredit: AFP
      Officials immediately strengthened the bubble around the team and carried out tests to make sure none of the players or immediate staff were affected.
      Their training camp on the outskirts of Florence was immediately shut and a specialist cleaning team was brought in.
      An Italian FA source said: “It’s not the ideal preparation for the team and we are making sure that none of them are infected but we are taking no chances and tests are being carried out.
      “The chance of infection with any of the team is small but we want to be sure — it means that training sessions with the media in attendance have all been cancelled and we are having to make other arrangements.”
      Sources also said coach Roberto Mancini and the entire squad had all had their vaccinations.
      Journalist Alberto Remedio and two technicians, all from state TV firm RAI, tested positive.
      Two, including Remedio, are thought to have picked up the bug in London during their trip to cover their team’s semi-final.
      Remedio described last week how 60,000 fans would be gathering in the stadium with little prospect of social distancing.
      Boris Johnson stood firm and kept the final at WembleyCredit: Reuters
      The episode rekindled the debate on Uefa’s controversial decision to hold the game in London, despite the increase in infections in the UK.
      Last month, Italian prime minister Mario Draghi said he wanted to bring the final to Rome and clashed with Boris Johnson.
      BoJo was not going to let anyone stand in the way of football coming home and has now even had 10 Downing Street decorated with England flags outside.

      Meanwhile, ministers here have grounded planes from Italy to stop Covid regulations being breached by a Roman invasion.
      Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has ordered airlines to cancel flights to stop thousands of ticketless Italians turning up.
      But around 1,000 fans from Italy will be allowed to skip isolation rules under an agreement with Uefa. Italy’s epic Wembley semi-final clash with Spain was packed with their fans – but only those who live in the UK.
      England captain Harry Kane has hit form with four goals in the knockout roundsCredit: Getty
      England defender John Stones tells Three Lions’ fans ‘to make a lot of noise for us’ ahead of Euro 2020 final with Italy More

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      England stars to enjoy Wild West trip to Las Vegas if they win Euro 2020

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      ENGLAND stars will celebrate in style if they win tomorrow’s Euro 2020 Final — with a Wild West trip to Las Vegas.Party animal Jack Grealish and goalie Jordan Pickford plan to lead a posse of players to the glitzy gambling mecca.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Party animal Jack Grealish will be heading to Las Vegas with the Three Lions if they win the Euro 2020 final
      Pals set to join in the knees-up include Three Lions teammates Mason Mount, Declan Rice and Ben Chilwell.
      Jack’s close pal, Leicester City’s James Maddison, is also likely to join in after whooping it up in Dubai with him and Chilwell earlier this year.
      Asked how he would celebrate England’s first final victory since 1966, Aston Villa star Jack, 25, said: “Go to Las Vegas for ten days. I’d be straight on a plane to Vegas and wouldn’t be coming back — completed it!”
      Everton keeper Jordan, 27, added: “Three weeks in Vegas with Jack . . . it would be a great experience and I’d be definitely getting the rave on for a good spell!”
      Three Lions stars have bonded by skylarking in their swimming pool, playing practical jokes on each other and watching Love Island at their St George’s Park base camp.
      Gareth Southgate has encouraged close friendships as his young lions fine-tune their push for glory in front of a 60,000-strong crowd at Wembley.
      Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is set to join the knees-up in the glitzy gambling meccaCredit: The Mega Agency
      England are pushing for glory at the Euro 2020 final in front of a 60,000-strong crowd at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Las Vegas will be a well deserved trip for the Three LionsCredit: Alamy

      Bookies Ladbrokes cut odds to 4/5 that the final will be the UK’s most watched TV event ever — with 33million set to tune in.
      The biggest audiences were for the 1966 World Cup Final (32.3m) and Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997 (32.1m).
      Alex Apati, of Ladbrokes, said: “Football is coming home — and so is a record TV audience.”
      England train ahead of their massive Euro 2020 final game against Italy More

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      Tesco and Co-op to close EARLY on Sunday so staff can watch Euro 2020 final as hopes for August Bank Holiday grow

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      TESCO and Co-op stores across the country will be shutting up shop early on Sunday so workers can get home in time to watch England’s epic showdown against Italy as football fever grips the nation.It comes amid hopes Boris Johnson will rubber-stamp plans for an extra bank holiday – should the Three Lions claim Euro 2020 victory.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Some shop workers are being allowed to finish early on Sunday to enjoy the gameCredit: Reuters
      Tesco Express stores will be closing at 7.45pm on SundayCredit: PA
      The PM has ruled out springing a surprise Bank Holiday on employers this Monday, but with calls mounting for an extra summer bank holiday if England win so the nation can celebrate, No10 could sign off a day in August.
      For now, however, it’s good news for some Tesco and Co-op staff who will be able to enjoy the 8pm clash at Wembley without having to keep one eye on the till as bosses have signed off plans to shut early.
      England’s 1,600 Tesco Express stores will close at 7.45pm on Sunday, instead of midnight, while Co-op will shut its 2,034 food stores at the same time, Sky reports.
      Co-op’s 24 hour petrol stations will also be out of bounds between 7.45pm and 11pm.
      Chris Whitfield, Co-op’s chief operating officer, said: “We appreciate just how much this means to many of our store colleagues and we want them to be able to celebrate at home with their family and friends.”
      Lidl stores will be opening an hour later on Monday morning if England clinch the win at Wembley – while Iceland is delaying opening stores, home deliveries and meetings either way.
      Co-op stores will also be shutting early so staff can get homeCredit: Alamy
      Some companies are letting workers clock in late on MondayCredit: Rex
      The Three Lions bagged a place in the final with a stunning victory over DenmarkCredit: Getty
      The chain will also be halting home deliveries after 7pm on Sunday to let drivers get home in time.
      It comes as England fans are set to get extra time to recover after Sunday night’s Euro final.
      Many firms are allowing staff a lie-in on Monday morning to sleep off the boozy celebrations 
      Schools are also getting in the action, with many announcing that pupils can come in late on Monday so they can enjoy the late-night match.
      In one case, teachers Rossmere Primary School in Hartlepool have told parents they can let their kids have a lie in on Monday morning.
      Parents and carers were told the Euros final will be a “learning opportunity”.
      Students will be able to show up for class by 10.30am on Monday morning.
      Meanwhile, a company boasted that it would give its staff a day off after the Euro 2020 final – before workers were emailed and told they wouldn’t be getting it.
      LookFantastic, which sells beauty, skincare, and haircare products, promised to give its employees a day off after England’s game if their social media post reached a certain number of likes.
      The company, owned by The Hut Group, said that the “fate of Team Fantastic is in your hands” as the amount of “likes” would determine what time work begins on Monday morning.
      And if the post gained 7,000 likes, the firm said that the employees would be given a whole day off after the Euro 2020 final.
      The Instagram post read: “IT’S COMING HOME. In honour of that, we’ve decided to give you the power on what time our teams start work on Monday…
      “You need to act quick though – we’ll take the count at 5pm!”
      Millions are set to watch the final on SundayCredit: Reuters
      The Three Lions will take on Italy on Sunday after seeing off Denmark on WednesdayCredit: Getty
      But in an internal email seen by The Sun Online, employees were told that the “stunt” was just a “great engagement opportunity.”
      Workers were told that the social media target and the promise of a day off after England’s final was “not official comms.”
      Despite the post on Instagram reaching over 30,000 likes – surpassing the top target – workers were told that they were “lucky to have been given the 12pm start.”
      England roared to success against Denmark on Wednesday with Gareth Southgate’s lads bagging a place in the final with a 2-1 win.
      It is the first time in 55 years – since the glorious 1966 World Cup win – England have made it to a major tournament final.
      The nail-biting final will be played at Wembley – with thousands of fans expected to flood the capital’s streets ahead of the title-race game.
      England are now favourites amid a betting spree at bookies.

      The government has already extended pub opening hours to 11.15pm on Sunday in case of extra-time and penalties.
      Mr Johnson signed off plans for extra drinking time for Sunday night’s Wembley showdown.
      Meanwhile, there are calls for Southgate to be made a Sir if he becomes the first England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey to win a trophy. More

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      Say ciao to Italy’s wags – from a Brit singer, beauty queen and brain box

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      ENGLAND go head to head with Italy tomorrow night in a historic footie final to become European champions. But behind each suave Italian player lies a stunningly beautiful Wag.Sure to be cheering the stars on will be the glamorous partners of England’s ­toughest rivals yet. From British pop singer Catherine Harding to former ­criminology student ­Jessica Melena, meet the Italy Wags.
      Jessica Aidi celebrates her 30th birthday on the day of the finalCredit: Jessica Aidi Instagram
      Swimsuit model
      FRENCH model Jessica Aidi is sure to be cheering on her fiancé Marco Verratti tomorrow night.
      The occasion will be doubly special as ­Jessica celebrates her 30th birthday tomorrow.
      In May 2019, she and Marco were spotted holding hands at the Monaco Grand Prix, but didn’t go public until Paris Fashion Week five months later.
      Marco Verratti is preparing to wed Jessica AidiCredit: Getty
      The athletic model showed off her figure in a strappy bikini in the 2020 swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated.
      Once the Euros are over, Jessica and Verratti will begin preparations for their wedding.
      Influencer
      Jessica Melena is married to striker Ciro ImmobileCredit: Jessica Melena Instagram
      AFTER just three dates with Jessica Melena, hotshot striker Ciro Immobile, 31, told the Italian beauty: “You will be the mother of my children.”
      Recalling the message, Jessica – who now has three children with her husband – revealed: “’I said that I thought it was a bit strong, but then soon after he kept his promise. His were true words.’”
      Ciro fell for gorgeous wife Jessica straight awayCredit: Getty
      Stunning Jessica, 30, who has 970,000 Instagram followers, was a student in criminology and forensic sciences at L’Aquila University when she met Immobile in a restaurant in Abruzzo, Italy.
      Soon after, Jessica quit her studies and married Immobile in 2014.
      Student
      Alessia Elefante inspires goalkeeper Gianluigi DonnarummaCredit: alessia_elefante_gossip
      LARGER-than-life goalie Gianluigi Donnarumma has ­conceded a mere three goals in six games and recently bagged a spot at top French team Paris St Germain.
      The 6ft 5in Italian stands head and shoulders above his fiancée Alessia Elefante, 21.
      Gianluigi Donnarumma has just clinched a move to PSGCredit: EPA
      The couple have shared heartwarming photos of Gianluigi bending down to share a kiss with his petite partner.
      While student Alessia keeps a low ­public ­profile, the 22-year-old has been in a relationship with Gianluigi ever since she was 16.
      TV broadcaster
      Giorgia Duro is a TV broadcasterCredit: isaanascimento/instagram
      Andrea Belotti has been with wife Giorgia for seven yearsCredit: EPA
      CAPTAIN of Serie A side Torino, Andrea Belotti, 27, welcomed his first child with wife Giorgia Duro in February – but had to wait to meet newborn daughter Vittoria after he tested ­positive for Covid.
      However, dazzling mum Giorgia, 28, said at the time that the couple were doing “fine” and the young family were later reunited.
      Giorgia, a TV broadcaster and model, met Andrea in Palermo in 2014, and they married in the church of San Francesco Di Paola, in Palermo, in June 2017.
      Beauty queen
      Rachele Risaliti is a former Miss ItalyCredit: Rachele Risaliti Instagram
      Rachele posts about her relationship with Gaetano Castrovilli on her Instagram pageCredit: Getty
      FORMER Miss Italy Rachele Risaliti hasn’t been shy about her relationship with ­midfield ace Gaetano Castrovilli.
      Sharing a snap on Instagram of the couple locked in a passionate embrace, Rachele posted the comment “miss you” as Castrovilli rushed off to take part in the Euro 2020 build-up in June.
      Born in Prato, Italy, Rachele, 26, rose to fame after being crowned Miss Italia 2016.
      And she’s been a keen supporter of her Italian beau, sharing pics of her with fellow Wag ­Benedetta Quagli online.
      Full time mum
      Genoveffa Darone is known as JennyCredit: jenny__darone/instagram
      ‘Jenny’ has been married to Lorenzo Insigne for almost a decadeCredit: Rex
      FULL-TIME mum Genoveffa Darone – known as Jenny – has been married to Napoli ­captain ­Lorenzo Insigne, 30, for nearly ten years.
      Friends since childhood, the couple started dating while Lorenzo played for Pescara in Italy.
      Their whirlwind romance saw the ­couple get engaged seven months later, before enjoying an elaborate ­wedding in their Naples hometown in 2012.
      An arts graduate and former saleswoman, ­dazzling Genoveffa, 28, now dedicates her time to looking after their children Carmine, eight, and six-year-old Christian.
      Singer and songwriter
      Catherine Harding faces split loyalties between England and ItalyCredit: Mega
      BRITISH singer Catherine Harding will have to pick her side tomorrow as boyfriend Jorginho’s team battles England for the big prize.
      Born in Enfield, North London, Catherine rose to fame after reaching the knockout stages of ITV’s The Voice last year.
      Her ­mercurial rendition of I Put A Spell On You captivated judges in the blind auditions and won her a dedicated fan base in Britain.
      Spending much of her life in Ireland, Catherine, 30, also shared a fleeting romance with actor Jude Law and in 2015 gave birth to his fifth child, daughter Ada, now six.
      Catherina is loved up with Chelsea midfielder JorginhoCredit: Getty
      A few years later, Catherine and Jorginho quietly coupled up after the footballer split from his wife ­Natalia Lefteri.
      Catherine gave birth to the couple’s son last September, sharing a snap on Instagram of Jax’s tiny feet and the caption, “How crazy life is and how wonderful.”
      The singer’s latest flame has clearly fuelled her imagination, as Catherine admitted she has written “a lot of love songs, especially last year”.
      When announcing her pregnancy, she said: “I entered into a new relationship and that definitely gave me loads of creativity and inspiration.”
      Italian midfielder Jorginho, 29, will be counting on ­Catherine’s support for Italy tomorrow as his team take on the formidable England team.
      Born Jorge Luiz Frello Filho in Brazil, he moved to Italy aged 15, later choosing to play for the country.
      The Chelsea player has boosted Italy’s performance in this year’s Euros with his clever positioning and swift passing.
      Women’s right’s advocate
      Clarissa ­Franchi is a passionate campaigner of women’s rights
      Giovanni Di Lorenzo has been with Clarissa since 2013Credit: AFP
      THE long-term partner of defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Clarissa ­Franchi lives in Naples with the football star and their year-old daughter Azzurra.
      They have been together since 2013, when Di ­Lorenzo, 27, began playing for a club in Reggio Calabria, but are not married.
      A passionate campaigner of women’s rights, Clarissa, 26, works on the WeWorld campaign with Italian football league Serie A to end violence against women.
      London based mum
      Thaiany Xavier hails from Brazil and not ItalyCredit: thaixavier_/instagram
      LIKE her Chelsea player boyfriend Emerson Palmieri, London-based Thaiany Xavier, 27, is originally from Brazil.
      Defender Emerson, 26, has been drafted into Roberto Mancini’s side since Leonardo Spinazzola’s achilles injury in Italy’s quarter-final Euros match with Belgium.
      Chelsea defender Emerson helps Thaiany live a life of luxuryCredit: Rex
      Thaiany regularly shares snaps of her glitzy London life with her 62,100 followers on Instagram.
      In May, she cheered on her man at Stamford Bridge as the Champions League final saw Chelsea beat Man City 1-0. She posted in her native tongue: “What a joy to be part of this very special moment in your life my love @emerson palmieri.”
      Thaiany, who has a daughter from a previous relationship, had a son with Emerson in 2018.
      While she wears a ­diamond ring on her left hand, the couple have not confirmed if they married.
      In a recent picture of Thaiany’s birthday party, Emerson gush­ed: “You deserve the world, my girl, my woman. I love you so much.”
      Digital marketing expert
      Thessa Lacovich is dating rising star Manuel LocatelliCredit: Thessa Lacovich Instagram
      COSTA Rican Thessa Lacovich has been rooting for her boyfriend, midfielder Manuel ­Locatelli, throughout the tournament.
      Sharing a shot of the 23-year-old Italian hunk on her social media, the hazel-haired beauty celebrated her boyfriend’s long-range goal in their early match against Switzerland.
      Locattelli has been one of Italy’s best players at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      Thessa, 23, who has a masters degree in digital communications strategy, is a digital marketing specialist who moved to Italy to study.
      The pair began dating aged 19.
      Sports scientist
      Brainy Federica Schievenin is studying sports scienceCredit: Federica Schievenin Instagram
      AFTER their semi-final with Spain went to penalties, midfielder Nicolo Barella scored a vital goal, helping secure Italy’s spot in the coveted Euros final.
      But off the pitch, the 24-year-old is supported by his wife Federica Schievenin, 31, who studies sports science, and their daughters Rebecca, four, Lavinia, two, and five-month-old ­Matilde.
      The tight-knit couple were childhood sweethearts and tied the knot in 2017 at the picturesque royal Villa d’Orri in Sardinia.
      Nico Barella has two daughters with FedericaCredit: Getty

      Model and influencer
      Benedetta Quagli is five years older than boyfriend Federico ChiesaCredit: Benedetta Quagli Instagram
      BENEDETTA Quagli has been spotted cheering on her ­boyfriend, rising star Federico ­Chiesa, throughout the Euro 2020 tournament.
      While little is known about the ­elusive brunette, Benedetta and midfielder ­Federico, 23, are thought to have been together for two years – and often jet off for lavish trips abroad when Chiesa is off-duty.
      Boasting 90,000 followers on her Instagram, Benedetta, 28, loves to share shots of her posing on sun-soaked beaches or playing tennis.
      Federico Chiesa has been dating Benedetta for two yearsCredit: Getty
      England’s Wags support their partners in Wembley crowd More