2020 EURO CHAMPIONS
L FFICIA IGNEO S IN , R A T O @L GNA TA, SO FIN U L O V A È RAT DESIDENDO DA QUA INO MI Z RAGAZMENTAVO R O ADD POGLIATOI I S NEGLI I ALLENARM D A PRIM
FROM THE APOCALYPSE
TO THE OLIMPICO AS ITALY BANISHED SOME SIGNIFICANT DEMONS TO WIN EURO 2020, GABY MCKAY TAKES A LOOK AT HOW IT ALL STARTED FOR THE AZZURRI ON THEIR ROAD TO REDEMPTION
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hen then FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio was asked in September 2017 about the prospect of Italy not qualifying for the World Cup, he replied simply: “it would be the apocalypse.” Two months later, in front of a packed San Siro, Azzurri players lay sprawled on the turf. Legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon raised his hands, tears in his eyes, by way of apology to the supporters. Coach Gian Piero Ventura disappeared down the tunnel while newspapers decried a national shame. Italy had missed out for the first time in 60 years. Apocalypse now. Ventura, of course, could not survive. Despite public clamour for Carlo Ancelotti, the man chosen as the next commissario tecnico was Roberto Mancini, whose first task was to lead the Azzurri through three salt-in-the-wound summer friendlies. Mighty oaks from little acorns grow, and it turns out European champions grow from 2-1 friendly wins over Saudi Arabia with Domenico Criscito at left-back.
4 2020 EURO CHAMPIONS ITALY
Italy fell back in love with it’s national team
“IT WOULD BE THE RISE TO THE OLIMPICO.”
