Forza Italia!

24 years since the glorious victory in 1982.

16 years since the shootout horror on home ground in 1990.

12 years since the shootout anguish under the hot American sun in 1994.

8 years since another shootout disappointment and defeat by the home team (France) in 1998.

6 years since the golden-goal heartbreak in Rotterdam inflicted again by France, of all teams, in Euro 2000.

4 years since the ignominious defeat to Korea in 2002.

9 July 2006 -- The day when the demon of penalty-shootout was finally exorcised, when revenge was finally exacted, and when Italian football once again went into footballing folklore and history.

Despite being troubled by scandals back home, was drawn into a difficult group, and was matched against the host nation in the semi-finals, the Italians displayed the characteristic discipline and teamwork to win the most coveted trophy in football. This is the mark of a true championship-winning team. Forza Italia!