Italians begin to believe in themselves

RELY ON Z ACCAGNI

If they had lost to Croatia, with only 3 points and a poor goal difference, Italy would have been the former champions two days ago, and if they hadn't gone home right away, it would have been to wait until the end of the group stage to find out where they would rank in the list of the 6 third-placed teams in each group. That golden goal now helped the Italians start to believe. First of all, they believed in themselves, believing that no matter how difficult the situation was, they could overcome it with their unparalleled mental strength and will. They had gone through the shock of being led by Albania, had been crushed by Spain (although the score didn't say that) and had been eliminated until the 90+7 minute, until Zaccagni's goal. Italians often say "Someone in heaven loves us" to talk about God and God's will, affirming that they were blessed to overcome so many difficulties. But on the Leipzig night, there was no God there, only Zaccagni was the hero.

Người Ý bắt đầu tin vào chính mình- Ảnh 1. — Zaccagni (right) scored the equalizer in the 90+8 minute to help the Italian team advance to the group stage.

In Italy, people have started talking about Schillaci, who only shone in Italia 90; or Paolo Rossi, who destroyed the net in Espana 82, leading Italy to the title. Zaccagni was the hero in Croatia, so will he continue to score goals to take Italy further?

C WAITING FOR MIRACLES

There has been a lot of talk and debate in the Italian media since the round of 16 draw was made clear. In theory, Italy's draw is simpler than the one with hosts Germany, Spain and France. Italy will face Switzerland this Saturday night in the round of 16, then, if all goes well, England in the quarter-finals and France in the semi-finals; and then, who knows, Italy's dream is to meet Germany in the final in Berlin on the night of July 14 (local time). But the truth is that whether the draw is easy or difficult depends on the Italians themselves, on the strength of their legs, their spirit and how they make their dreams come true. Their victories in the past, both near and far, have been the result of fighting, of overcoming difficult matches, of defeating all negative predictions and underestimations.

Người Ý bắt đầu tin vào chính mình- Ảnh 2. — What do Italians do to defend their throne?

Người Ý bắt đầu tin vào chính mình- Ảnh 3.

History has proven this. For example, at the 82 World Cup in Spain, they went through 3 group stage matches with Poland, Peru and Cameroon, only to really take off in the later stages, after coach Bearzot himself was heavily criticized. In the later stages, they faced Brazil and Argentina in the second group stage. The Italian team, surrounded by the media, turned their backs on them by declaring no contact with the press. An Italian parliamentarian said in parliament at that time: "Only thieves work less and earn more." He was referring to coach Bearzot. Then Italy beat both Brazil and Argentina, defeated Poland in the semi-finals and Germany in the final to be crowned champions. One conclusion: when you have fought until your last breath and with 200% of your muscle strength and will, you will reach the finish line and have nothing to regret. Zaccagni's equalizer did not bring the championship to Italy, but it did bring out a mass of will and belief in a bright future ahead, letting the players, none of whom are big stars of coach Spalletti, understand that, with courage and fighting spirit to the end, they will go further; and who knows, maybe create miracles.

Switzerland are a big obstacle for Italy. They knew this all too well when they had to face Switzerland in the previous EURO. A double from Locatelli helped Italy beat Switzerland on the way to silverware. But it was Switzerland who then kept Italy from reaching the 2022 World Cup. It was the second World Cup in a row that Italy failed to qualify.

It was that tragic event, along with the belief that was found - perhaps with a little superstition added, because Italians are very superstitious - that the Italian team would overcome Switzerland again to go far.