The quarter-final against Belgium, then the number one ranked team in the world, is the film’s first emotional climax. The documentary showcases the tactical masterclass of the first half, where Italy’s fluid movement dismantled the Belgians. But it also captures the fragility of the moment—the injury to Leonardo Spinazzola. The sight of the charismatic left-back being carried off on a stretcher, his tournament over, adds a layer of tragedy to the triumph. The film uses this moment to underline the team’s "suffering"—a key theme in Mancini’s philosophy. Winning isn't just about playing well; it is about enduring pain. The semi-final against Spain is, perhaps, the tactical centerpiece of the film. It was a clash of styles: Italy’s direct, vertical passing against Spain’s possession-based tiki-taka. The documentary captures the fatigue setting in, the mounting injuries, and the sheer physical toll of the tournament.
It highlights the moment of magic from Federico Chiesa again, curling a shot into the corner to give Italy the lead. But it does not sugarcoat the reality of the match. Spain dominated large portions of the game, equalizing through Álvaro Morata. The film builds tension through the penalty shootout, a device that usually spells doom for Italy in major tournaments. italy the great revenge euro 2020 film
The Eternal City’s Eternal Night: How "Italy: The Great Revenge" Captured a Nation’s Resurrection Introduction: The Stage for a Miracle In the annals of sporting history, few narratives are as compelling as the fall and subsequent rise of a giant. On the night of July 11, 2021, the world watched as Italy and England battled in the final of UEFA Euro 2020 (played in 2021 due to the global pandemic). For English fans, it was supposed to be "Football Coming Home." For Italians, it became the setting for La Grande Vendetta —The Great Revenge. The quarter-final against Belgium, then the number one
By the time the tournament began, Italy was on a record-breaking unbeaten run. Yet, they were not the favorites. The "revenge" was not just against a specific opponent, but against the footballing world that had written them off as a fading power. The film excels in its pacing, moving swiftly through the group stages where Italy announced themselves as a vibrant, attacking force. The visuals of Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, filled with fans for the first time in over a year due to COVID restrictions, provide a poignant backdrop. The 3-0 victory over Turkey in the opener set the tone. The sight of the charismatic left-back being carried