It's coming Rome: Italy celebrates its EM heroes

But first, a look back at the final night in London: there were already a number of beer bottles around the silver European Championship trophy - much more could hardly be seen in the celebration photos from the Italian European champions' dressing room. The Azzurri danced so exuberantly on Sunday evening, splashed champagne and shouted their joy that the camera images reached the public blurred. Back home, thousands of Tifosi celebrated in the streets. “Italy, we love you like crazy,” she wrote Journal of Sport .

“We have heard since Wednesday evening that the cup is returning home,” said Leonardo Bonucci, alluding to the British “Football’s coming home,” which the Italians simply rewritten as “It’s coming Rome.” “I'm sorry for you, but tonight he's taking a nice flight to Rome,” said Bonucci, who scored to make it 1-1 (67'). This triumph through this 3:2 in the penalty drama against England is “for all Italians. We believed in it, for ourselves and for them.” On the way to the airport that night, Bonucci’s congenial defensive partner Giorgio Chiellini placed the trophy on the pitch next to him.

Roberto Mancini and Giorgio Chiellini at Fiumicino airport. © APA/afp / -

Reception with Draghi and Mattarella The celebrations will also continue in an official setting at home on Monday. The new European champions will be received in Rome by Prime Minister Mario Draghi. The government said the head of government wanted to personally thank the team and the coaching staff. The Squadra Azzurra showed “in addition to great individuality, an extraordinary game and a special team spirit,” said a short statement from the Italian government late on Sunday evening.

President Sergio Mattarella, who watched the game in the stadium, also praised the team for their performance. “Huge gratitude to Roberto Mancini and our players who represented Italy well and brought honor to the sport,” Mattarella was quoted as saying on Twitter.

There was no stopping the fans in Rome after winning the European Championship final against England on Sunday evening. After the decisive penalty, people stormed into Piazza Navona in the center of the old town, tore off their jerseys and hugged each other. The police blared their car sirens and popped fireworks. Hundreds of fans sang, danced and cheered.

Fans in other cities also celebrated their team's triumph. In Milan, people in the central square in front of the cathedral expressed their joy with horns and shouts of joy, many waving Italian flags. Fireworks were also set off. In many South Tyrolean towns, especially in Bolzano, Brixen and Meran, the “notte italiana” was also celebrated exuberantly. “He is the best goalkeeper in the world” Mancini on Donnarumma As in the semi-final against Spain, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was once again decisive with two penalty saves. “It's an incredible thing, we're a fantastic team and we all deserve it,” said the 22-year-old keeper, who was visibly struggling for words after the award ceremony. “We have been exceptional, we are super happy,” he added with a grin.

There was a special honor for the goalkeeper, whose contract with Milan had expired: he was named player of the tournament. “I was sure he would save a penalty. “He’s the best goalkeeper in the world,” Mancini praised his keeper. “We’re lucky to have Donnarumma.”

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Hockey

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

It's coming Rome: Italy celebrates its EM heroes

Suggestions

Comments (0)