In the Euro 2020 final held at Wembley Stadium, London, Italy defeated England on 3-2 penalties after the match ended in a 1-1 tie. This was debut season for Roberto Mancini as head coach and he earned a victory in the major tournament. As a club coach, he has won 13 trophies but for him, this is the first coaching trophy at the national team level.
In 2018 when Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia, Mancini took over the Italian national team head coach’s position. As a player, Mancini had twice been knocked out of major tournaments at the semi-final stage as part of the Italian national team. This happened at the 1988 UEFA EURO and the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
“I was very fortunate to play in a great side in 1990 and a terrific under-21 team. Despite the fact we were the best team, we didn’t win it and lost both times on penalties,” he said.
Italy, which is unbeaten in 34 games, has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround under Mancini after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. after the victory the former Manchester City boss was seen in tears, he explained that was for the whole of Italy.
“It was the emotion which happens after achieving something incredible. It was the emotion of seeing the guys celebrate and the fans in the stands. Seeing everything we have managed to create, all of the hard work we have put in over the last three years, but specifically, the last 50 days which have been very hard,” he continued.
“It’s the fact we have been able to forge this team spirit over the last 50 days, they have really created something which can never be separated going forward. They will always be synonymous with this triumph.”