He left Tambre and stopped in London after studying. “I’ll try to get the ticket for the grand final”
NHe hadn’t thought twice about it on Saturday morning, the day after Italy’s victory over Belgium. Semifinal against Spain to be held at Wembley, in “his” London.
“I have to be there,” Claudio Fullin said to himself. And so there was also this boy from Tambre in the football temple. One of the lucky 60,000 who were able to witness live the exciting victory on penalties of our Azzurri, capitalized by that penalty of Jorginho watched with bated breath throughout the boot … and not only!
“I live in London for work, after stopping here following my master’s degree in finance. And I really didn’t want to miss the appointment ».
We can only imagine the emotions experienced live.
“It was all splendid. Then yesterday morning at work the tiredness was not lacking, but it was worth it. On the other hand, already after beating Belgium I had told myself that I had to go and support the national team. I also speculated that travel restrictions due to Covid made more tickets available than usual. So on Saturday I bought the coupon for me and my girlfriend – American – through the official Uefa app. I was at the top as a position, but it is a stadium from which you can see well wherever you are ».
What were the Covid protocols? It was quite a sensation to see the stadium full and the people without a mask, despite the ever-growing contagions in the UK.
«A quick swab with negative result was necessarily required, or a certificate of vaccination. Inside, we spectators could take off our masks when we were sitting in our place, with the obligation to wear them for every move ».
Describe the atmosphere inside the stadium.
«The hymn of Mameli makes you feel wonderful sensations. Then we Italians were really in large numbers. It will be because there are so many compatriots here and it will be because homesickness always makes itself felt ».
How much did you suffer during the penalties?
“I’ve never closed my eyes. I was also convinced that we could count on the best goalkeeper, Gigio Donnarumma. And then Chiellini was very good ».
Why?
«I think it has also been seen on television, but during the draw together with the Spanish captain Jorge Alba he insisted on letting them beat under the blue curve. It is useless to deny how to kick the penalties in front of your fans, or on the contrary in front of the opposing team’s supporters, it makes a difference. On an emotional level we were already taking the lead, despite Locatelli’s initial mistake ».
And now the last game remains to be played.
“I’ll try to buy tickets again. I hope to be able to go to the stadium, the cost of the ticket does not interest me: it is a final! Otherwise we will certainly find a big screen where we can cheer on Italy ».
What do you do in London?
“I work for a Dutch investment bank. I now have dual citizenship but the link with the land of origin is very strong. As soon as I can, I gladly come back ».
Beyond Italy, tell us about your passion for football in general.
«I played with the youth teams of Alpago and Cavarzano, then quitting once I arrived in the Allievi category. As for the fans, Inter and Arsenal. The latter is an almost obligatory faith, because it is the team of my English friends, so if I want to go to the stadium with them… ».
Both teams were initially among the founders of the Superlega project. Strong opposition from fans immediately started in England and the six clubs pulled out in just two days.
“You didn’t find anyone here in favor of the proposal. The public realized it was just business, not sports. And for the English people this was unacceptable. On the other hand, this is the home of the FA Cup … “.