Scenes of jubilation swept Italy after their football team beat England 3-2 on penalties in the Euro 2020 final At Wembley in London. Meanwhile England fans are left disappointed and heartbroken at their side’s loss.
The Italian national team arrived back in Rome with the trophy on Monday to crowds of cheering fans.
Their victory at the tournament is Italy’s first European title since 1968, but they last lifted a trophy in the World Cup in 2006. Meanwhile, England have not won a major trophy since their 1966 World Cup win against West Germany.
Street parties began across the country immediately following Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnrumma’s save of Bukayo Saka’s penalty. The moment sent thousands of ecstatic supporters at a fan zone in Rome jumping in pure elation. They shouted and hugged each other at Italy’s victory. Fans said they were “so happy” and will “celebrate all night”. Supporter Stefano Gucci says it is incredible and there is no better feeling. It is amazing to win the final.
Crowds cheered as the victorious side landed at Rome’s Fiumicino airport early on Monday morning, and followed them to the hotel.
An emotional game
The match was a tense time, as England took an early lead with a goal after only 2 minutes of play. Emotions ran high as the game continued and Italy fought back to equalise in the second half. Wild celebrations followed a nerve wracking penalty shoot-out that cliched Italy their victory.
After a tough pandemic, football has given the nation something to smile about again. Flares and fireworks erupted and Italian flags filled the sky as joy returned to a country that so desperately needed it.
Manager Roberto Mancini is hailed the star of the tournament for transforming the national team. Following their shame of failing to even qualify for the last World Cup in 2018, the side are now unbeaten in 34 games. The Azzurri are back on top with a team full of confidence and youth. The country has fallen back in love with their team who are champions of Europe, and feeling on top of the world.
Disappointment for England
Millions across the country watched as England played in their first men’s major final in 55 years, and around 60,000 fans attended at Wembley stadium. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were among the crowd with their son Prince George.
Despite the disappointment at their loss, the royal couple congratulated the Italian side in a Twitter post. They added, “England, you’ve all come so far, but sadly this time it wasn’t our day. You can all hold your heads high, and be so proud of yourselves – I know there’s more to come”.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also praised the England team saying they “deserve great credit” for doing the nation proud and playing “like heroes”. He also condemned the racial abuse received by players who missed penalties. He says, “those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves”.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan agreed there is “absolutely no place for racism in football or anywhere else”. He called on social media platforms to remove and prevent hate. His tweet also praised an England team like we’ve never seen before who have made history.
The team has brought the nation together, and have come a long way, it would have been fantastic to win. But everyone agrees that the Three Lions did us proud.
Security breach
Chaotic scenes unfolded at Wembley ahead of the match as dozens of fans without tickets tried to force their way past barriers to enter the stadium. A small number of people made it in, but police officers and security officials worked hard to prevent any further breaches.
London’s Metropolitan Police say 49 arrests were made as a result of the pre-match unrest, and 19 officers injured while confronting “volatile crowds”.
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