By: Joe Buscaino

Last Sunday, the Azzurri lifted an entire nation after Italians were hit hardest in Europe during the Covid-19 pandemic.

After missing out on the 2018 World Cup, Italia showed true resilience and can now be crowned European champions for the second time in their history.

This team awoke the hearts of Italians around this entire planet, and reminded us how sweet it is to taste the fruits of victory.

On the West Coast, the atmosphere and emotions were electric as more than 1,000 Italians gathered in our new Little Italy of Los Angeles in downtown San Pedro.

This win is something our children and your children will remember for the rest of their lives. This win is what makes us Italian — when faced with the toughest challenges, we know how to find the heart to prevail.

 

It was truly special for us in San Pedro as our watch party was featured on the ESPN broadcast during the final match. The celebration coverage went from Wembley, to Rome, to Little Italy of L.A.!

While my friend and Italian soccer legend Alessandro Del Piero — who scored a penalty kick during the shootout in 2006 to win the World Cup for Italy — says that France is the team to beat at EURO 2021, I have high hopes for the Italian team who I believe are hungry for success.

Like so many of you, I followed each and every win. I watched the games even on the busiest of days, as I am officially running for Mayor of Los Angeles.

I felt a great sense of connection to my heritage as I watched this team prevail time and time again to win it all.

🇮🇹 Forza ITALIA! 🇮🇹 Forza AZZURRI! 🇮🇹