IF England fans weren’t already excited for Euro 2020, then the opening ceremony will certainly have put them in the mood.
Ahead of the hugely-anticipated curtain-raiser between Turkey and Italy, opera tenor Andrea Bocelli took centre stage on the field in Rome.
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Bocelli, who became blind at the age of 12, produced a magical rendition of the famous Nessun Dorma, evoking memories of Italia 90.
The operatic song is synonymous with the beautiful game on these shores after the iconic 1990 World Cup, which saw England reach the semi-finals.
It featured in the BBC’s title sequence for the tournament and was performed by the late great Luciano Pavarotti at the trophy presentation.
Majestic dancers accompanied the music while fireworks ignited on top of the stadium as the song reached its crescendo.
Those lucky enough to be inside the stadium and undoubtedly viewers watching at home sat in silence listening to Bocelli’s voice ring around the Stadio Olimpico.
Those watching from the comforts of their own home took to social media with Bocelli bringing tears to many eyes.
One said: “Andrea Bocelli singing Nessun Dorma.
“Never been more ready for a football tournament, even if that has just made me cry.”
Football commentator Arlo White said: “Strong Italia ’90 vibes. I think I’m going to cry.”
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Another added: “Andrea Bocelli opening the Euros with Nessun Dorma. You won’t get much better than that, shivers down the spine.”
A third said: “Andrea Bocelli. Phenomenal. Goosebumps and teary-eyed after that rendition of Nessun Dorma. Euro 2020 under way in perfect fashion.”
Another agreed, writing: “Spine tingling. Now I’m in the mood for Euro 2020.”
And it clearly worked on the Italian players too as they announced themselves a major tournament contenders with an imposing 3-0 win, with Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne finding the target.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
