Italy jubilant after long awaited EURO triumph

By Baris Seckin

ROME (AA) - Italians celebrated the UEFA EURO 2020 success after Azzurri won it on Sunday.

Anadolu Agency reported that thousands watched the game on giant screens in Rome's Piazza del Popolo and Via dei Fori Imperiali.

Italy were crowned the EURO 2020 winners on Sunday after defeating England on penalties 3-2 in the final at London's iconic Wembley Stadium.

During the night, Italian fans in Rome celebrated their victory in the EURO 2020, which was their first European Championship trophy since 1968.

The fans in Rome lit fireworks and flocked into the streets for vehicle convoys to celebrate the win.

After the EURO 1968 success, Italy played two EURO finals; 2000 and 2012.

In the EURO 2000 final in the Netherlands' Rotterdam, they lost against France 2-1 after a golden goal in the extra time.

Then Italy once again reached the final stage in the European championship. However, in 2012 final in Kyiv, Spain hammered Italy 4-0 to defend their title.

Between the EURO 2000 and 2012, Italy won the 2006 FIFA World Cup, beating France on penalties in Berlin.

Meanwhile, the Italian national team arrived in Rome early Monday with the EURO 2020 trophy as Italian captain Giorgio Chiellini was holding the cup. He was wearing a crown and cheered the fans.

Now in a hotel to have a rest, the team is expected to be received by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and premier Mario Draghi for their EURO success.

* Writing by Can Erozden​​​​​​​