“We protect him”: The reactions of the European champions

Roberto Mancini (Italy team boss): “We got the goal straight away, we had difficulties. But then we dominated the game. My players were wonderful, simply wonderful. The title is important for everyone in the country.”

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy goalkeeper/player of the tournament) : “It's an incredible dream, boys. I don't know what to say. We made history. We have a great group, only a few people believed in us.” Gianluigi Donnarumma was named player of the tournament. © APA/afp / FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA

Leonardo Bonucci (Italy defender, goalscorer): “We really did it. Incredible. Incredible. It is really incredible. When I think about where we started: at the bottom. Then the right people came to get out of there. We have to thank the coach, the president, the team, the team behind the team. This trophy is the achievement of everyone, the achievement of a great nation.”

Giorgio Chiellini (Italy): “We won, we felt there was something magical in the air. We deserve it, all of Italy deserves it. It was an incredible feeling. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey over the past three years. Let's just enjoy it, it's beautiful. The key was to play football and have fun. Even though we conceded an early goal, we dominated the rest of the game. We made history, let's enjoy it. Tomorrow we want to celebrate with all Italians.”

Emerson (Italy): “It was a wonderful evening, we were so looking forward to this moment. From day one we had the hope of winning, now we just want to celebrate. We didn't let up and played our game. That is the power of Italy, we fought and sweated until the last second.”

Federico Bernardeschi (Italy): “I suffered a lot this year, it wasn't an easy season for me. When you play a season like that, it's sometimes complicated. I have to thank everyone who always believed in me, even when things didn't go well. We are on the roof of Europe, it couldn't have been repaid better. I want to enjoy the evening now, this thing. You can't describe the feelings. A truly indescribable feeling.”

Gianluigi Buffon (former goalkeeper and record player for Italy): “The sky is blue over Wembley. What an extraordinary group!” Chiellini took the European Championship trophy to bed with him after the celebrations. © ANSA / Twitter Chiellini

On Monday morning, Bonucci posted a picture on social media of himself and Chiellini lying in bed with the European Championship trophy and wrote: “Don’t worry, he’s sleeping safely. We protect him.”

Chiellini posted a picture showing the trophy in bed in his hotel room. “In the tradition of a great master,” wrote the 36-year-old and linked Fabio Cannavaro. The captain of Italy's 2006 World Cup team also took the World Cup trophy to bed with him.

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“We protect him”: The reactions of the European champions

After an exciting game, Italy secured the European title on Sunday evening. Here are some reactions from Italy's European Championship heroes.

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