Italians blast English 'bores': Newspapers put the boot in and say Gareth Southgate's side 'needed the referee' on their side to qualify to meet the Azzurri in Sunday's final
Italian media is already playing mind games with England ahead of the Euro 2020 final on Sunday, saying Gareth Southgate's team only progressed thanks to the referee.
England beat Denmark in a tense semi final at Wembley on Wednesday, with Harry Kane scoring the winner in extra time after his penalty was saved.
But some felt the penalty won by Raheem Sterling, which was checked and confirmed by VAR, was harsh on Denmark who rarely threatened England after their opening goal in the first half.
In the popular Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Thursday's headline makes a gag about the Italian for a custard pudding which roughly translates as 'English bore'
Gazzetto dello Sport proudly declared, 'Let's take the crown', adding that Denmark 'frightened' England
In the popular Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Thursday's headline makes a gag about the Italian for a custard pudding which roughly translates as 'English bore'.
Below, they wrote: 'Southgate needs the help of the referee to reach the final against Italy.'
Another major Italian paper, Gazzetto dello Sport, proudly declared, 'Let's take the crown', adding that Denmark 'frightened' England.
Meanwhile beIN Sports correspondent Tancredi Palmeri tweeted in reference to the popular Three Lions song: 'It's diving home'.
The Italians have ramped up the mind games by accusing England of diving to make the Euro 2020 final
Raheem Sterling won a penalty in extra-time which allowed England the chance to get the goal they needed to win 2-1
Italy have made a few jibes at England throughout the tournament, with several supporters seen with signs saying, 'It's coming Rome!' at their semi-final on Tuesday.
Another poster read: 'It's coming home but not in yours.'
The war of words will likely escalate over the coming days ahead of the much anticipated final.
It is the first final England have reached since winning the 1966 World Cup but for Italy it is more familiar territory.
Italy fans mocked England's anthem 'It's coming home' with signs that read: 'It's coming Rome'
The Azzuri supporters are confident that they can end their long wait for Euros glory
The Azzurri have won the Word Cup four times and the European Championships once, in 1968, finishing second in 2000 and 2012.
Meanwhile in Denmark, many were proud of their team's performance despite their agonising exit in the tournament's penultimate game.
One fan Allan Birkemose Hansen said: 'Huge respect. We have played fantastic, turned a terrible start into an adventure. Danish football is a power factor others must keep an eye on and god how should we be proud.'
Anita Odsgaard Emoff said both England goals were 'only luck' but many said they were 'proud' of their players.
Meanwhile Mads Jørgensen said on Twitter: 'Heroic and amazing effort, a thin penalty and an injury made the outcome. The entire Danish population is proud of you.'