Italy’s Triumphant Return: From World Cup Heartbreak to European Glory
Italy’s footballing journey in the four years between 2017 and 2021 stands as one of the game’s most remarkable stories of redemption. After their devastating failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the Italian national team, under Roberto Mancini, defied expectations to claim the UEFA Euro 2020 title—seizing victory at Wembley and banishing recent memories of disappointment.
The 2018 World Cup Miss: A National Low
For Italian football fans, 2017 brought an unprecedented sense of despair. Managed by Gian Piero Ventura, Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after a crucial qualifying playoff loss to Sweden. Despite managing a respectable 56% win rate during his tenure, Ventura’s side was unable to overcome a one-goal deficit against the Swedes. This failure marked the first time since 1958 that Italy had not reached football’s biggest stage, leading to collective soul-searching and the end of an era for several iconic Italian players.
Starting Over: New Faces and a New Direction
The aftermath of World Cup qualification heartbreak prompted sweeping changes within the Italian national team. Legendary figures such as Gianluigi Buffon, Daniele De Rossi, and Andrea Barzagli retired from international duty, symbolizing the end of an illustrious generation. Gian Piero Ventura also departed, with the Italian Football Federation turning to Roberto Mancini—fresh from his stint at Zenit St. Petersburg—to engineer a rebuild. Mancini’s appointment initiated a new era focused on youth, tactical flexibility, and restoring national pride.
Roberto Mancini’s Impact: Building a Winning Culture
Mancini’s early days at the helm were far from smooth. His debut was a closely fought 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia, reliant on the attacking output of Mario Balotelli and Andrea Belotti. Subsequent matches included defeats to powerhouses such as France and Portugal, initially fuelling skepticism around Mancini’s project.
However, what followed was extraordinary: beginning after a September 2018 loss to Portugal, Italy launched into one of the longest unbeaten runs ever recorded in international football. As of summer 2021, Mancini’s Azzurri went 34 games without defeat, closing in on the unbeaten streak records set by Brazil (1993-1996) and Spain (2007-2009). This remarkable consistency reinstated Italy among Europe’s elite and set the stage for a magical Euros campaign.
Euro 2020: The Road to the Final
Heading into the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, few pundits considered Italy serious contenders. Nevertheless, they made a powerful statement with a commanding 3-0 opening win over Turkey and secured a perfect record in the group stage—emerging without conceding a single goal.
The knockout rounds presented fresh challenges:
– Against Austria in the Round of 16, Italy needed extra time to secure passage, prevailing after dominating long stretches but struggling to break through.
– Facing world-number-one ranked Belgium in the quarter-finals, Italy displayed tactical discipline and attacking flair to claim a 2-1 victory in a match full of quality.
– In the semi-final versus Spain, Mancini’s men had to adapt to playing without the ball, containing Spain’s possession-based approach and progressing only after a nail-biting penalty shootout.
The Wembley Final: Overcoming England in Dramatic Fashion
July 11, 2021, saw Italy face hosts England in a historic final beneath the Wembley arch, with a passionate home crowd and England’s “It’s coming home” rallying cry filling the stadium. The match began in the worst possible way for the Italians, conceding a goal to Luke Shaw within two minutes. Unfazed, Italy methodically regained control, slowly wearing down the opposition.
Mancini’s crucial substitutions brought renewed energy, and Bryan Cristante’s aerial challenge set up Leonardo Bonucci for the equaliser in the 67th minute. With neither side able to score again in regular time or extra time, the contest went to penalties. It was here that Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy’s goalkeeper, emerged as a national hero—making decisive saves to clinch Italy’s first European Championship since 1968 and earning Player of the Tournament accolades.
A New Era of Hope for Italian Football
Italy’s triumphant performance at Euro 2020 was more than just a trophy win; it was a symbol of a nation’s resilience and a new chapter for Italian football. The jubilant celebrations in Rome and across Italy showed the depth of emotion tied to football’s ability to heal and inspire.
Looking ahead, ambitions remained high for Mancini and his squad. With the UEFA Nations League Finals on the horizon, Italy aimed to capitalize on their momentum and continue pushing their unbeaten streak to historic heights. Italian football, once gripped by despair, found itself revived—filled with confidence, new stars, and the belief that glory had truly returned.
