This is an article i published on the Mastermind sports website.
11th of July, 2021. The day Roberto Mancini and his Italian warriors etched their name in the history books. As they against all odds, snatched the European Championship from England, right under the Wembley arch.
It all appears to be all rosy and fun for the Azzurri currently and many have forgotten the hurt which the failure to qualify for the last FIFA World cup brought to Italy and how this title winning side was formed.
THE LOST AGAINST SWEDEN
Gian Piero Ventura the septuagenarian, who was rather unlucky to be at the helm of affairs when the Italians failed to qualify for the world cup, had a win percentage of 56.25 during his stint as the head coach of the Italian national team.
A victory percentage which was not just enough, as a first leg goal by Sweden's Johansson, was all that was needed to send gloom and tears round Italy. As the Azzurri had failed to qualify for the world cup for the first time since 1958.
BACK-TO-BASICS
It was back-to-basics for the Azzurri, and first heads had to role as well as a few tweaks and changes were desperately needed. The tweaks and changes saw a change of guards, as 'Old Guards' which included the evergreen Gianluigi Buffon, Daniele De Rossi as well as Andrea Barzagli called it time on their international careers, while Head Coach Gian Piero Ventura, was fired. In his stead, came the then Zenit St Petersburg manager, Roberto Mancini.
THE NEW ERA
Roberto Mancini started what would eventually become a record breaking era in a rather dicey way. His first game in charge was a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia. Goals from former Man city star Mario Balotelli as well as Torino's captain Andrea Bellotti, were enough to secure victory for Roberto Mancini's wastful side.
Roberto Mancini's second game in charge was one that reminded Italians of a few memories that has haunted them. It was the game against the French. Though the Azzurri had truimped over the French in the 2006 world cup final, the memories of Euro 2000 still hurts. Coupled with the fact that the French had won their previous two meetings, it was more like a grudge match friendly. The game ended 3-1 in favor of the French. The only positive the Italians could take from that encounter was their response to going down 2-0.
A couple of games was all Roberto Mancini needed to get his Italian engine firing on all cylinders. Precisely the 1-0 loss to a Portuguese side without their all-time leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, was the actual turning point. It was Uefa Nations League game, were Mancini tried out a 4-4-2 formation which proved counter productive.
Since losing to Portugal, Roberto Mancini has seen his Italian side enjoy one of the longest unbeaten streak of any side in football's history. 34 and counting, the incredible run saw them clinch the Uefa European Championship Title. This record is only bettered by Brazil (35) 1993-1996 and Spain (35) 2007-2009.
THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Coming into the just concluded Euro Tournament, few gave the Azzurri a chance to win the title, despite thumping Senól Gunes' side 3-0 at the tournament opener. The Italians proved their victory against Turkey wasn't a fluke, as they went all the way to seal qualification without conceding a goal. Hence, setting a tournament record.
Round of 16
In the round of 16, the Azzurris were fazed with a high pressing Austrian side and they needed extra time to eventually see them off.
Against Belgium
Meeting the tournament favorite and world number 1 ranked team in the quarter finals, many thought was the end of the road for Italy. But goals from Nico Barella and a wonderful curling effort from Lorenzo Insigne appeared to be enough for the Italians to progress to the semi-finals.
In the Semi-final against España, the Italians had to play a game plan they were not use to. As the imposing style of Spain had Italy for most of the 120 chasing the ball. Two wonder goals from Federico Chiesa as well as Club compatriot Alvaro Morata, sent the game into extra-time and eventually penalties. The shoot-out say Italy progress 4-3 on penalties hence, setting up a final against England at Wembley.
THE FINAL
Hoping to win the European championship for the first time, the English side led by Gareth Southgate had their infamous slogan "it's coming home" fill the Wembley atmosphere.
With majority of the crowd cheering against Italy and the 2012 final bashing against Spain still fresh in their memories, Italy knew they had to do a good ' Italian job' to ensure they clinch the title.
The final started in the worst possible way any one from the country which the Pope dwells could ever imagine. As a goal inside 2 minutes by inform Manchester United Left back Luke Shaw, had the English fans buzzing. The Italians knew they had it all to do and a calm but persistent build up approach, eventually paid dividend, as in the 67th minute, Leonardo Bonucci found the back of the net.
On the game went and into extra-time, but still there was nothing to call between both sides. After 120 minutes, referee Bjorn Kuipers whistled for penalties and like the semi-finals, Italy thanks to Gianluigi Donnarumma prevailed. The penalty shoot-out victory, meant Italy were the first team to win two penalty shout-out in a European Championship.
The smiles and cheers on the faces of the Italians was a proof that the ghost of the 2018 world cup miss was off their shoulders.
Roberto Mancini's side will hope to make 2021 a remarkable year for Italy as they now have their sight set on the UEFA Nations League Finals set to be hosted in Rome. A victory for the Azzurri will ensure the ecstacy stays a little longer
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Roberto Mancini the drought breaker