Victory with tact: Italy wins more than the European Championship ticket
After the redemptive final whistle, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma slid to his knees in front of the BayArena's visitors' curve. His teammates followed him briefly, then formed up for a picture of jubilation.
But the Italian soccer stars refrained from any further exuberant celebratory gestures on the pitch on this special evening. After missing out on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, the defending champions had secured their direct ticket to the European Championships in Germany with a bit of trepidation and luck thanks to their 0-0 draw against Ukraine in Leverkusen. But it was clear to everyone that sporting success was very much in perspective that evening.
Italians show tact
It would have been inappropriate to cheer too euphorically for the brave Ukrainians, who not only had the defending champions on the brink of elimination in a tricky penalty situation in stoppage time. The Italians had the tact of true champions, showing a gesture of peace even before kick-off and clapping along with their fans throughout Ukraine's anthem. After a brief cheer in front of the Tifosi, they applauded their opponents once again as they gathered in the center circle. Coach Luciano Spalletti and striker Federico Chiesa congratulated their opponents for their performance in difficult circumstances.
"That was very emotional," said the Ukrainian national coach Serhij Rebrow, visibly moved: "The Italians on the pitch and those in the stands showed us respect and support." Conversely, it did not seem appropriate for him to complain about the penalty that was not awarded. "I thought it was a penalty," he said: "But they checked it. So it was probably just my feeling."
The Italian media were clearer. "We have to thank the referee and the VAR," wrote the "Gazzetta dello Sport": "If he had denied us a penalty like that, we would have talked about it forever." The "Corriere della Sera" commented: "The Ukrainians will be furious and think of a conspiracy. But that's fine for us." La Repubblica was impressed by Ukraine's mentality and promised: "We will cheer them on in the play-offs."
Rebrov thanks German fans
Rebrov also thanked the German fans for the warm welcome, as his team is currently unable to play any real home games due to the Russian war of aggression. And that's just the logistical problem. "We all know that the war in Ukraine is going on," said Rebrow: "It's pretty tough for the players. They are always looking at their cell phones and watching the news. It's not easy in this atmosphere. But all the players have shown that they have character and are fighting for their country."
After being drawn in a group with last year's European Championship finalists England and Italy, "not many people believed in us, even in Ukraine. But we fought until the last game." And after losing the direct comparison with Italy after a 2:1 draw in the first leg cost them a direct ticket, the Ukrainians hardly had any complaints. Captain Taras Stepanenko thanked the "wonderful fans who came here from all over Europe" and immediately thought about the extra chance of a fourth consecutive European Championship appearance: "We're going into the play-offs with pride." On the one hand, soccer seems so banal these days, but on the other, it is somehow even more important as a distraction and a glimmer of light.
Relief for Donnarumma and Co.
The Italians felt that too, but their relief was also palpable. Donnarumma said that they also owed their participation in the European Championship to their own loyal fans, who had always supported the team in difficult situations during qualifying. And is looking forward to the European Championship: "We simply belong there. We're going in as defending champions. And with this spirit in the team, a lot is possible."
A spirit that went far beyond the sporting side of things on Monday evening in Leverkusen. And that's why the Italians have won more than just a ticket to the European Championship.
- Despite the close call and the missed penalty opportunity, Italy demonstrated tact and sportsmanship during their draw against Ukraine, securing their European Championship qualification.
- With their direct ticket to the European Championship in hand, Italian soccer stars and fans alike expressed relief, recognizing that their participation in the tournament was also a testament to their loyal supporters during qualification.
Source: www.dpa.com
