UEFA Euro 2020: Thrilled Italian fans celebrate their country’s title victory

Thousands of supporters erupted in jubilation in a fan zone in Rome, shouting and hugging one another. Italy won its first European title since 1968 with the win at Wembley Stadium.

The European Championship soccer triumph was hailed by Italians as a new beginning not just for their young national team, but also for a country that had been hammered hard and long by the coronavirus pandemic.

Thousands of people went to the streets in Rome Sunday night as a cacophony of honking vehicles, fireworks, and singing supporters filled the streets after Italy defeated England in a penalty shootout to win its first major soccer title since the 2006 World Cup.

“We are coming out of a terrible year and a half that has left us weary, just like other nations across the world,” said Fabrizio Galliano, 29, of Naples, who was watching the match on a huge screen in downtown Rome. “This means a lot to me. Among all the things that divide us, sports is one of the things that bring us together. But it extends beyond sports to finally be able to feel the joy that we’ve been missing.”

“It’s been a difficult year for everyone, but particularly for us, as one of the first countries to be affected. “This is a sign of a fresh beginning,” Michela Solfanelli, a 30-year-old Milan-based event producer, remarked.

Since the spring, most viral restrictions have been lifted, and those that remain have been generally ignored by the throngs of Italian supporters who danced in the streets of the capital, screaming “we are European champions.”

David Bellomo, a 23-year-old from the southern city of Bari, noted that this was Italy’s second major triumph this year, following the Eurovision Song Contest victory by Italian band Maneskin in May.

“Thanks to Eurovision, this game, and soccer, we were able to return this year,” he added. “We almost had a triple,” he said, alluding to Italian tennis player Matteo Berrettini, who had earlier in the day lost the Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic.

On two huge screens placed up on Piazza del Popolo, an elliptical cobblestone plaza at the edge of Rome’s ancient center, spectators nervously watched the penalty shootout shoulder to shoulder. When Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved England’s final penalty, a thunderous scream erupted in the stands.

An immigrant family from Senegal stood out among the sea of blue Italy jerseys, having traveled from Zagarolo, an hour outside Rome, to watch the final with the crowd in the plaza.

“I am not Italian, but I understand the feelings. Fallout Ndao, 42, remarked, “I feel it as if I were Italian.” “This is a nation that we adore.”

Yankho, his 13-year-old son, an Italian soccer lover, and player, was fascinated by the team.

“They exhibited bravery. Even when they were down by a goal, they never gave up,” he added. “It’s a well-deserved honor. Throughout the competition, they have been outstanding. “Let it be Italy!”

Despite the fact that masks are still required in populated areas, police made no attempt to intervene as hundreds of barefaced supporters streamed out of the plaza, chanting the national song and flashing flares. As supporters drove across the city waving Italian flags from their automobiles, fireworks exploded overhead.

Dr. Annamaria Altomare, a 39-year-old gastroenterologist, stood back and observed the show with a companion. They were one of the rare people that wore masks.

“We want to stay away from the delta variant in this mess,” she joked.