5 interesting facts of the UEFA European Championship you may not know

#2 The replay of the final of Euro 1968

Italy won the first and to date the only Euro final to have been replayed

Euro 1968 hosts Italy had already been a part of a dramatic semi-final against the Soviet Union which saw them edge past the Soviets courtesy of a lucky coin toss. In the final at Rome, they would be a part of something which had never occurred in the final of any previous Euro Cup.

Italy were up against Euro 1960 runners-up Yugoslavia who came into the final after a difficult game against then world champions England where Dragan Dzajic scored a late winner.

Dzajic once again was instrumental for Yugoslavia as he gave them the lead in the 32nd minute. Angelo Domenghini equalized for Italy in the 80th minute through a brilliantly taken free kick. The scores remained 1-1 after extra time and the final went into a replay.

In the replay, Italy’s chances of winning were boosted by the return of Luigi Riva and Sandro Mazzola. Riva made his return in fine style by putting Italy 1-0 up after only 12 minutes. Nearly 20 minutes after the opener, Italy’s lead was doubled by Pietro Anastasi’s spectacular volley.

Italy maintained their two-goal advantage and were crowned the champions of Euro 1968. The final still remains the only Euro final to have been replayed.