Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella poses with Giorgio Chiellini, who successfully led Italy to Euro 2020 glory, and his teammates and Matteo Berrettini, who became the first Italian to reach the Wimbledon men’s singles final, at the Quirinale Palace in Rome on Monday. After 18 months of pandemic hell, Italy revelled in some soccer heaven on Monday after its national team brought back the European Championship trophy for the first time since 1968 following victory over England at Wembley. Led by coach Roberto Mancini, the players landed shortly after dawn to find many fans were still celebrating in the early morning cool, with the smell of fireworks lingering in the streets and flags flapping out of car windows. Meanwhile, Berrettini made a history for his country despite a defeat against Novak Djokovic in the final. Although world number one Djokovic was the overwhelming favourite to win the title, an upset victory for the 25-year-old Berrettini had not been completely ruled out by pundits.

PHOTO: REUTERS