Roberto Mancini (Italian national coach): “We had to accept that first goal and we got into trouble. After that we recovered and dominated the match. The players were just wonderful. We played well and won. I hope that the Tifosi celebrate all over Italy now. “
Gareth Southgate (English national coach): “We are incredibly disappointed. The players gave everything they had. (…) But at the moment it just hurts a lot. We won as a team and we lose as a team. The penalty shooters were my decision “It’s not the players who do that. It’s heartbreaking for the players, but it’s not their fault, it was my decision as a coach.”
Giorgio Chiellini (Captain Italy): “We won, we felt that there was something magical in the air. We deserved it, all of Italy deserved it. It was an incredible feeling. Thanks to everyone who has been part of this trip in the past Let’s just enjoy it, it’s beautiful. The key was to play football and have fun. Even if we conceded an early goal, we dominated the rest of the game. We made history, we enjoy it. Tomorrow we want to celebrate with all Italians. “
Harry Kane (English captain): “I gave everything, the boys gave everything. Penalties are the worst thing there is if you lose. It wasn’t our night but it was a fantastic tournament and we go with our heads held high. Of course it hurts for a while now, but we’re on the right track. Anyone can miss a penalty. We win together and we lose together. The boys will learn from that and it will give us motivation for the World Cup. “
Leonardo Bonucci (Italian defender): “We really did it. Incredible. Incredible. Really incredible. If I just think about where we started. When you’re at the bottom, and then you’ve got the right people … We have to meet Thank you coach, the president, the group. This trophy is the merit of everyone, a great nation that has arrived here despite all the difficulties. The cup goes to Rome (“It’s coming to Rome” alluding to the English chant “It’s coming home”, note.) and don’t stay here. “
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italian goalkeeper): “We have been exceptional, we are super happy. We said there was an inch missing, we made it. It’s an incredible thing, we are a fantastic team and we all deserve it. We never give even if we conceded an early goal. It wasn’t easy, they defended well. But we were spectacular, we were terrific. “
Mario Draghi (Italian Premier, via Twitter): “The Azzurri, led by coach Roberto Mancini, have shown an exceptional team spirit and played with great personality. The trophy is returning to Italy after more than 50 years.”
Boris Johnson (UK Prime Minister, via Twitter): “It was a heartbreaking result at the end of the European Championship, but Gareth Southgate and his team played like heroes. They made the nation proud and deserve great recognition.”
Prince William (FA President, via Twitter): “You have all come this far, but sadly that day was not ours. You can all walk with your heads held high, be proud of yourself.”
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