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    When was Gianluca Vialli ill and what happened to the ex-Chelsea striker? Has he fully recovered from pancreatic cancer?

    FOR the Italians, Gianluca Vialli is a symbol of their fighting spirit at Euro 2020.The former goalscorer was one of the most feared strikers in Europe when he moved from European champions Juventus to Chelsea in 1996.
    Gianluca Vialli has a key role for Roberto Mancini in the Italian national team’s coaching set-upCredit: Getty
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    In fact, his signing was one of those that sparked the Premier League revolution, making it one the international powerhouse league we know today.
    He also managed the Blues, as well as Watford in his only two managerial appointments.
    But the affable bearded ace has had a tough time in his personal life, where he has been battling cancer.
    When was Gianluca Vialli’s ill and what was the diagnosis?
    Vialli, 56, revealed in November 2018 he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
    He underwent chemotherapy and about 18 months later announced he was all clear of the disease.
    Honest Vialli told RAI 1: “I cannot fight with cancer because I would not be able to win this battle, it is a much stronger opponent than me.
    Gianluca Vialli was appointed by Roberto Mancini in November 2019 while battling cancerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    “Cancer is an unwanted travel companion, but I can’t help it.
    “It got on the train with me and I have to go ahead (and) travel with my head down, never giving up, hoping that one day this unwanted guest will get tired and leave peacefully for many years because there are still so many things I want to do in this life.
    “I realise that people can look at me, see that I am doing alright, and hope that they might do the same.
    “Maybe because I was a footballer and a strong man, but also fragile and vulnerable at the same time, so I think someone may have recognised themselves in this.
    “I’m here with all my faults and my many fears, but also with the desire to do something important.”

    Vialli won the Champions League with Juventus before joining ChelseaCredit: PA

    What is his role with the Italy team at Euro 2020?
    Vialli has been friends with Azzurri manager Roberto Mancini since their time together at Sampdoria.
    After his cancer diagnosis, former Manchester City boss Mancini offered Vialli the chance to join up with the national team as their chief delegation officer.
    Also part of Mancini’s coaching team is former Juventus and Crystal Palace star Attilio Lombardo.
    Chelsea fans were delighted to see Vialli celebrating wildly at Wembley during Italy’s extra-time win over Austria at Euro 2020. More

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    Italy national anthem lyrics: What are the words to Fratelli d’Italia in English and Italian?

    ITALY are in the Euro 2020 final against England at Wembley.And though the Italians will be outnumbered in the stands, the players will make sure their national anthem is sung as loudly and proudly as any in the world.
    The Italians are known for nothing if not belting out their national anthemCredit: Getty
    Italian fans singing the national anthem ahead of the Euros semi final against SpainCredit: Getty
    Gareth Southgate has begged England fans not to boo the Italian national anthem ahead of the final and fire up the passionate Azzurri.
    What is Italy’s national anthem called?
    The Italian national anthem is officially called Il Canto degli Italiani (The Song of the Italians).
    However, to most Italians it is better known as Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy) after the first line of the song.
    What are the words to Italy’s national anthem?
    Fratelli d’Italia,l’Italia s’è desta,dell’elmo di Scipios’è cinta la testa.Dov’è la Vittoria?Le porga la chioma,ché schiava di RomaIddio la creò.
    Stringiamci a coorte,siam pronti alla morte.Siam pronti alla morte,l’Italia chiamò.Stringiamci a coorte,siam pronti alla morte.Siam pronti alla morte,l’Italia chiamò! Sì!

    What are the English words to Italy’s national anthem?
    Brothers of Italy,Italy has woken,bound Scipio’s helmetUpon her head.Where is Victory?Let her bow down,Because [as a] slave of RomeGod created her.
    Let us join in a cohort,we are ready to die.We are ready to die,Italy has called.Let us join in a cohort,We are ready to die.We are ready to die,Italy has called! Yes! More

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    Spinazzola’s stirring open letter to Italy team talks of ‘giving their soul’ and final ‘battle’ at ‘temple of football’

    LEONARDO SPINAZZOLA has sent an impassioned letter to his Italy team-mates ahead of the Wembley showdown against England.The defender will have to watch on from the stands after injuring his Achilles in the quarter-final match against Belgium.
    Leonardo Spinazzola will be cheering his team-mates on from the Wembley stands
    Spinazzola steps off the plane at Luton Airport with assistance from his crutches
    But it is clear he has faith in his team-mates to win one last battle.
    The England squad has also received several messages of support in the build-up to the national team’s biggest match in 55 years.
    The Queen has sent her best wishes to Gareth Southgate and his team, with Boris Johnson also urging the players to “bring it home”.
    Celebrities and sports people such as Anthony Joshua, Simon Cowell, Katie Price, Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield have also sent messages of support to The Three Lions.
    But Spinazzola’s message comes straight from the heart as he has been a key part of the Italy squad throughout the tournament.
    The letter published by La Stampa reads: “If I went back in time, I would sprint for the ball again. I would do it 100 times again, trying to earn a meter on the opponent and shift the game on our side. It’s nothing special, these are the Azzurri’s rules.
    “After all, you only cross the line if you are ready to give your soul to your teammates. The injury took me off the field but could not separate me from the group. My son Mattia, who is only three years old, understood that his dad could not remain on the couch at home to watch the game tonight.
    “I am thrilled, I can’t hide it. When I got into the aeroplane, I felt I was reborn a little. In a few hours, I will be on the pitch with my teammates and in the stands with the rest of the country. It could have been better, but it could have been worse.
    “We have the last battle of this Euros at Wembley. A tournament that I will carry inside forever. From the magic nights of the Stadio Olimpico to the temple of football against the hosts, we’ve come a long way.
    “In my case, fate has added a few more kilometres to this journey: a stage of suffering in Finland, to adjust the Achilles tendon.

    ⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

    Spinazzola was carried off in tears after sustaining an Achilles injury against Belgium

    “Now, I am ready. I feel I have still so much to give. I will return on the wings in a few months, but I like to think this evening we’ll be sprinting all together.
    “I toy with the idea of seeing Bryan Cristante, the first teammate who consoled me after the injury, lifts something more meaningful than my head. Here we are. Forza Azzurri!”
    England will be aiming to stop Spinazzola’s dream from becoming a reality and will hope for one more magical Wembley night.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    England fans set off fireworks outside Italy team’s hotel at 2am ahead of Euro 2020 final More

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    England fan shaves ‘It’s Coming Home’ into his back hair and St George’s cross on chest

    A FOOTBALL-mad England fan has shaved ‘It’s Coming Home’ into his back hair.Hairy fella Alfie Callagher-Roberts, 23, also etched out the St George’s Cross onto his chest.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Alfie Callagher-Roberts fashioned a St George’s Cross on his chestCredit: SWNS
    The words ‘It’s Comin’ Home’ were also shaved into his backCredit: SWNS
    He told The Sun: “I have always been hairy and have ummed and ahhed about shaving my chest.
    “I thought I would have to celebrate England getting through to the final before saying goodbye to it all.”
    He told pals of his plans on Friday night and they splashed out on £40 industrial trimmers before finishing the job early the next morning.
    The scaffolder, from Poplar in London, predicted a 3-1 England victory in the Euro 2020 final tonight and insists he wasn’t egged into it- saying “as soon as I said it, they were all up for it”.
    Alfie added: “I’ve always been told I’ve got more hair on my chest and back than an ape – so put it to good use.

    Alife is planning to watch the game topless to show off his unique support.
    He added: “I’ll have a flag around my neck and my chest out.
    “I love it – I think it’s hilarious. I’m hoping it will grown back in time for the start of the season so I can get the Irons logo shaved in for the first West Ham game.”
    Watch Gareth Southgate’s message for YOU as England boss releases video with vow to do ‘everything we can’ to beat Italy More

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    Watch Gareth Southgate’s message for YOU as England boss releases video with vow to do ‘everything we can’ to beat Italy

    GARETH SOUTHGATE has sent a message directly to the England fans ahead of the national team’s HUGE Euro 2020 final clash with Italy on Sunday night.The Three Lions boss has led his side to the final at Wembley Stadium following historic wins over the likes of Germany and Denmark.
    Southgate spoke directly to the fans on England’s social media channelsCredit: Instagram @england
    England fans have poured out onto Wembley Way to enjoy the final day celebrationsCredit: PA
    And now, with just hours to go until England’s first major tournament final in 55 years, Southgate has released a video speaking to supporters across the country.
    In the clip posted on England’s Twitter account, he said: “Hi there. I just wanted to take the time to say thank you to everybody for the incredible support we’ve received throughout this tournament.
    “We hope that we’ve represented you in the right way. We hope that you’ve enjoyed watching us play.
    “I’m very grateful to all of the players and the incredible staff I’ve got with me, that we’ve been able to get to our first final in 55 years.
    “But of course we know now we’ve got to deliver for you, so we’ll be doing everything we can.
    “Your support and energy has given us a huge lift, and I know it will on Sunday.”
    SunSport revealed on Sunday morning that Southgate is expected to revert to a back five for the final against Italy.
    England are set to line up with Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw as wing-backs, with Kyle Walker dropping into central defence.

    ⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

    Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice will keep their places in the heart of England’s midfield, but Bukayo Saka is expected to drop out.
    The front three is set to consist of Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Harry Kane.
    But Phil Foden could miss out on being included in the squad altogether after picking up a problem with his foot in the lead up to the final.
    When asked about the Manchester City man’s issue on Saturday, Southgate said: “Phil has got a very slight foot injury which he felt after training.
    “He didn’t train today – and I’d have to say he’s doubtful for tomorrow.
    “We’ll check him again later. It’s not something that will keep him out for a long time, but it might be that the game comes too soon.”
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

    England fans queue round the block from 5AM for morning pints at packed pubs ahead of historic Euro final More

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    Euro 2020 final tickets offered for £70,000 per pair for England’s clash with Italy

    TICKETS for today’s Euro 2020 final are being offered up for an incredible £70,000 per pair.Dozens of tickets to the final between England and Italy at Wembley tonight are being advertised online.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Tickets for tonight’s Euro 2020 final are being sold online at huge markupsCredit: PA
    England fans are preparing for the biggest game since 1966Credit: Elliott Franks
    Footie fans outside Wembley Stadium today
    On eBay this morning tickets were being sold for £35,000 each, LBC reported.
    A Category 1 ticket was also listed on the site with a starting bid of £2,000.
    Meanwhile on ticket resale sites Ticombo and LiveFootball Tickets they were available for between £1,622 and £15,000 each.
    Two tickets were up for sale on Facebook marketplace for £7,000.
    Original prices for tickets to the final ranged between £82 and £808.
    Consumer rights advocates Which? told football fans to avoid buying tickets through unofficial channels.
    Expert Adam French said: “Even though some of these websites claim to offer tickets from ‘100 per cent’ trusted sellers, this is often not the case.
    “If you’re not lucky enough to get your hands on a ticket through the official website you might be better off saving your cash and making plans to watch Gareth Southgate and the lads take on Italy with family and friends at home or in the pub.
    “If you insist on trying your luck and buying tickets for the match from an unofficial seller, make sure to pay with a credit card for purchases over £100 so you stand a better chance of getting a refund if things go wrong.”
    UEFA warned that under their terms and conditions fans who buy their tickets second-hand may not be let into the stadium.
    FOOTIE FEVER
    It comes as fired-up England fans queued round the block from 5am to get the beers in early ahead of the biggest England game since 1966.
    Supporters have been belting out ‘It’s Coming Home’ while downing beers as the Three Lions prepare to take on Italy in our first final in 55 years.
    Groups of revellers have been pictured wearing England shirts and waving flags as excitement reaches fever pitch.
    Pubs are already getting packed out – with some eager fans queuing from 5am to get the drinks in despite the risk of torrential rain today.
    Wembley is also already filling up with supporters with a sea of supporters heading to the stadium early.

    The sky has been turned red and white as flares are let off outside the stadium and at some major train stations.
    Manager Gareth Southgate’s lineup for tonight’s game has been revealed – with England reverting to a back five.
    Bukayo Saka is the only player from the semi-final starting XI to miss out, with Kieran Trippier the man to come in.
    England fans queue round the block from 5AM for morning pints at packed pubs ahead of historic Euro final More

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    England fans set off fireworks outside Italy team’s hotel at 2am ahead of Euro 2020 final

    ENGLAND fans set off fireworks outside Italy’s hotel in the early hours ahead of tonight’s historic final.Footage showed the colourful explosives lighting up the sky in front of Tottenham’s training ground in North London.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    England fans let off fireworks outside Italy’s hotel
    The Italian team are staying in the team’s luxury Myddelton Lodge, which is attached to the ground.
    England fans posted about the impromptu firework display, which took place in the car park of a nearby pub.
    They said the explosives were let off at around 2.30am when the Italy team would have been sleeping.
    But fortunately for the Azzuri, all the rooms at the hotel are completely soundproof.
    The fireworks were set off in a car park near the hotel
    The Italy team are staying at Spurs Lodge
    One wrote: “Go on the boys of Tottenham!!
    “Setting off fireworks at Spurs Lodge whilst the Italians try and get their beauty sleep.
    “Let’s goooo!!”
    While another said: “My old mans mate let fireworks off at Spurs lodge last night”.
    Myddelton Lodge – also known as Spurs Lodge – boasts 40 rooms, a cinema room and Argentinian BBQ.
    It was made three years ago to house elite teams ahead of competitions and is designed to allow a good night’s sleep – with sound proofing and TVs turned away from the bed.
    The Spurs Lodge is used to house teams during competitions
    Its rooms are 100 per cent soundproof
    The Lodge boasts a cinema room and BBQ
    There are also special mattresses designed to maximise sleep and customised lighting is in place.
    It comes after Gareth Southgate urged England fans not to boo the Italian national anthem at tonight’s final.
    The gaffer encouraged supporters at Wembley to do the right thing.
    It comes after a string of sports stars condemned the minority of fans who booed the Danish national anthem on Wednesday night before the semi-final clash.
    The England FA was also hit with a £25,000 fine for “disturbances” during the game – including a fan shining a laser pointer in Kasper Schmeichel’s eye moments before Harry Kane’s penalty.

    A spokesperson for Boris Johnson said: “We don’t want fans to be booing teams.
    “We want fans to be showing support and being respectful.
    “Uefa are looking into that, that’s a matter for them but it’s not something we would want to see.”
    Roberto Mancini’s Italy touched down in London yesterday ahead of the Euro 2020 final
    The Italians have had an impressive run through the tournament
    Gareth Southgate urges England fans NOT to boo Italy national anthem before Euro 2020 final as he says ‘respect the opposition’ More

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    Where can I buy England flags and other Three Lions merchandise?

    MILLIONS of people are expected to cheer on England later today as the Three Lions take on Italy in the Euro 2020 final.There’s plenty of ways to show your support for Gareth Southgate and the boys with an array of England merchandise. We’ve gathered together the best bargains.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    England fans buy a flag to show their support ahead of the final tonight at WembleyCredit: Alamy
    Where can I buy England flags?
    What better way to show your support than grabbing yourself a flag of St George and waving it about and chanting “It’s coming home”?
    You can even deck out your home with a string of flags to leave passersby in doubt just who you were cheering on in the historic game.
    Stalls and shops up and down the country all have flags and merchandise for sale but if you don’t want to leave your house you can get one online.
    Why not show your support with this England flag for £6.00.

    Sports Direct are selling England’s official Home shirtsCredit: Sports Direct
    Where can I buy England shirts?
    Depending on if you want the official shirt, or a shirt with England’s logo will see the price differ somewhat.
    The official England Home Stadium shirt is priced at £69.99 from Sports Direct.

    England Home Shirt 2020, £69.99, Sports Direct – click here

    You can also find on the junior, mini and baby kits at Sports Direct.
    Football fans can also get personalised shirts with the players names on the back from the Official England Store, however they’ll set you back a pricey £114.95.
    Womens and Junior Kits are also available from these retailers, but make sure you check around, as you may find a kit somewhere cheaper.
    If a vintage look is more your thing there are also plenty of options.
    If you can’t get your hands on the latest shirt, Classic Football Shirts and vintagefootballshirts.com both have tons of classic England kits in stock.

    England kit at Nike’s official online store – buy it here
    Classic England shirts at Classic Football Shirts – buy it here
    Vintage England shirts at Vintage Football Shirts – buy it here

    Fans stock up on England merchandise from a stall in LondonCredit: Reuters
    Where can I buy England merchandise?
    If an England shirt isn’t your thing there’s still time left to pick up plenty of other merchandise to show your support.
    Sports Direct, Classic Football Shirts, are great places to check out for unofficial England Merchandise, that will also be a bit cheaper.
    This England Crest T Shirt Mens is £9.99 and comes in White and Navy and is the perfect for a last minute England addition to your wardrobe.
    Sports Direct also have Retro Style Bucket Hats for £16.99, if you fancy taking it back to the old school.

    Retro Style Bucket Hat, £16.99 – buy here

    We’re also loving these ‘It’s Coming Home’ shirts from Classic Football Shirts which are £14.99 each.

    Don’t forget about your car, you can get this Car Set for £5 from Sports Direct here.
    Finally, JD Sports is well worth checking out for England tops.
    If you click on a link in this story we will earn affiliate revenue.
    England fans queue round the block from 5AM for morning pints at packed pubs ahead of historic Euro final More