Following their win on penalty against England in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium, Italy’s Azzuri made a victorious return to their country Monday.
The Italian squad has claimed the European Championship title for the second time, which came after 53 years when the country triumphed in the pan-continental sports event.
They landed in Rome through the Fiumicino Airport before going to the Hotel Parco Dei Principi.
The Henri Delaunay trophy was carried by Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini and coach Roberto Mancini on the steps of the plane prior to the boarding of the players and staff in the bus.
Chiellini was sporting a golden crown as he carried the trophy and as players got down at the Hotel Parco Dei Principi.
Defender Leonardo Bonucci was covered in the Italian flag as he chanted “We are the European champions” as he made his way towards the hotel. Bonucci was the one who gained the country’s equalizer, sending the last extra-time and eventually, penalties. He obtained the man of the match award and was the oldest athlete to play in a Euro final at the age of 34, CNN reported.
“It’s coming to Rome,” Bonucci screamed into the pitch side camera during the celebrations for the win on Sunday.
“The Italians celebrate the success of the national team at the European football championships,” Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said in a statement, also mentioning that he will be greeting the Italian squad later on Monday at an event at the Palazzo Chigi, the country’s government palace.
“The Azzurri, led by coach Roberto Mancini, showed great individual performances, and an extraordinary game and team spirit. The trophy returns to Italy after more than 50 years.”
“The Prime Minister, Mario Draghi, will receive the team and the technical staff at Palazzo Chigi on Monday to thank them on behalf of the entire Government,” his statement furthered.
