Fabiano Parisi and Raoul Bellanova both had special dedications after Italy got the better of Switzerland in a 3-2 thriller for the European Under-21 Championship.
The Azzurrini had been leading 3-0 at half-time with goals from Lorenzo Pirola, Parisi and Wilfried Gnonto, but almost threw it all away.
“It was a great start, but we should’ve had the right mentality going out for the second half. We knew Switzerland were good, but we didn’t have the correct approach, it was a visible difference from the first half,” Parisi told RAI Sport.
“The important thing is that we brought home the result.”
The Empoli full-back has been heavily linked with a move to Juventus this summer and had a special dedication after his first goal at Under-21 level.
“My father rarely gave me congratulations. He would mainly tell me where I needed to improve. This goal is dedicated to him.”
Cagliari-owned wing-back Bellanova was voted Man of the Match by UEFA, as he was constantly breaking down the right to put crosses into the box.
He said they were fired up after the controversial 2-1 defeat to France, which saw his equaliser not given due to the lack of VAR and goal-line technology.
“This game was like a Final for us, we were served an injustice in the first match and had this anger within us that we needed to get out onto the field,” Bellanova told RAI Sport.
“In the second half, we lost some of that intensity and made life difficult for ourselves. I try to give all of myself on the pitch, even if it means reaching the final whistle with no energy left.”
Bellanova postponed his wedding so that he could participate in this tournament.
“I dedicate this award to my girlfriend for her great patience, but also to my grandfather, who always used to watch my games. He died just before the competition began, so this is for him.”
Italy are now joint second in the group with Switzerland on three points, their final game is against Norway on Wednesday evening.
The top two teams go through to the quarter-finals.
Not sure why FI would write a headline Gnoto inspires Italy when there are plenty of players giving it their all.