Only a day after losing to a rampant Spain in the final of the competition and with most of the players thoughts already turning to a well-earned rest and holiday there was one more national event that required their presence and one that required that they looked their best. Fortunately for them they were fitted out in the tournament by the sartorial excellence of Dolce&Gabbana.

 

A longstanding partnership with the Italian fashion powerhouse and the Italian national team has seen many successes together including winning the World Cup in Germany in 2006 and now a revitalised team performance at the Euros that saw them not only reach the final, but play some of the best football throughout the tournament. Italy return to the summer with their heads held high having given the football-obsessed nation reasons to be cheerful in the present and optimistic about the future in the knowledge that the game is in good hands.

 

“You achieved extraordinary results”, said the President of the Republic to the Azzurri. “I never played football, but I was able to appreciate the passion with which you all played and that was the greatest gift to all.”

 

Manager Prandelli did not miss the opportunity for a cheeky remark with the flash of a smile he said, “Indeed, if I hadn’t have been retained as manager, I would have protested”.

 

An opulent reception with the President is the perfect close to an inspiring performance and will quell the disappointment of the result. The players looked at home and comfortable amongst the Baroque grandeur of the Quirinal Palace in Rome, an occasion to remember.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Hugo Mc Cafferty