Video: Chiellini and his team return home to hero’s welcome, meet country’s President

Italian players with the country’s President Sergio Mattarella after returning home victorious . Image: Twitter

Xtra Time Web Desk: The Euro 2020 champion Italian squad made a triumphant return to home on Monday after its penalty shootout wins over England at Wembley Stadium on Sunday night. The Azzurri’s won the European Championship for a second time after 53 years.

The Italian team arrived at Fiumicino Airport in Rome before heading to the Hotel Parco Dei Principi.

Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini and coach Roberto Mancini held the Henri Delaunay trophy on the steps of the plane before coming down. When the players disembarked at the Hotel Parco Dei Principi, Chiellini was wearing a golden crown as he held the Henri Delaunay trophy. The Azzurri were greeted at the hotel by cheering fans.

Defender Leonardo Bonucci, who scored Italy’s equalizer which sent the final to extra-time and then penalties, was wrapped in the Italian flag and chanted, “We are the European champions,” as he entered the hotel.

Later on Monday, Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Mario Draghi greeted the Italian team.

Italy’s Euro 2020 victory marks an impressive return to form for a nation that failed to qualify for the World Cup finals in 2018. Under Mancini, Italy is now unbeaten in 34 matches, a record dating back to September 2018.