Italy coach Roberto Mancini hailed
his friendship with Gianluca Vialli and said his side's victory
over England in the final of Euro 2020 had "closed a circle".
Scenes of hugs at key moments between Vialli and Mancini, who
have been friends since they were strike partners in the
Sampdoria team that won the Serie A title in 1991 and reached
the final of the European Cup the following year, have melted
hearts during the Euros campaign.
Vialli joined the national team staff after overcoming a recent
battle against cancer.
"I have a friendship with him that goes beyond everything and
stems from the Sampdoria days," said Mancini, who has tuned the
Azzurri around after taking over following their failure to
qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
"Luck wasn't on Sampdoria's side that day (in the 1992 final
against Barcelona), but a circle has been completed this
evening.
"It was impossible to contemplate winning the Euros, but the
lads were extraordinary.
"I don't have the right words, this is a magnificent group.
"This was a very difficult match, given how it started, but we
dominated after we equalised.
"It's unfortunate for England.
"The team have come on leaps and bounds, and we're happy for all
Italians".
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