Bukayo Saka has been ruthlessly mocked by sections of the Italian media, following England’s disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Azzurri on Friday evening.
Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that Saka still looked shocked by Giorgio Chiellini’s foul in the Euro 2020 final. The youngster went on to miss the crucial penalty which saw Italy lift the prestigious trophy.
Saka had played 72 minutes for England on Friday before Gareth Southgate eventually decided to substitute him for Luke Shaw. The Manchester United full-back also failed to make an impact in what was an overall poor performance by the Three Lions.
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Saka was the most disappointing player on the pitch according to Gazzetta, who handed him a 4.5/10 rating, less than any other English or Italian star. Journalist Fabio Licari wrote: “One would want to tell him: ‘No worries Saka, Chiellini is no longer here’. He was still shocked, a phantom on the left flank and Southgate made it worse by keeping him on the pitch for 72 minutes.”
Licari was alluding to Chiellini's late tactical foul during the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy. As Saka stormed over halfway in the Euro 2020 final, the Italian defender pulled on the Arsenal star's shirt around his neck. England fans expected a red card, but only a yellow was shown at the time which created a lot of unrest.
Despite Saka eventually missing the crucial penalty, before England’s defeat to Italy on Friday evening, the youngster was awarded with England Men's Player of the Year award for the first time. It came after a stellar season for his club and country.
He was presented the award by a group of young grassroots players. The England star had no idea that it was to be awarded to him, and in his grateful shock, he smiled and humbly said: "No way. I did not expect this honestly, so yeah, I'm honoured. It's really nice."
The 20-year-old’s disappointing performance against Italy can be excused as he was tasked with playing in the left-wing back position, even though he has played on the right-hand side week in, week out under Mikel Arteta for the past year-and-a-half.
After a poor result for England against Italy, Saka and the other members of the squad have the opportunity to respond against Germany on Tuesday in what is their final match ahead of the World Cup in November.
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