The well-known singer Ennio Morricone feels Italy has fought like lions to qualify to the final of World Cup.

They fought like lions! They were clearly the better side and performed like true professionals. They’re a very solid unit with great team spirit. (Gianluigi) Buffon was in fantastic form.

The defence has been brilliant throughout the tournament. They’ve only conceded one goal and that was the own goal scored by (Cristian) Zaccardo in the match against the USA. I’m more than happy with the result!

There’s a great harmony in this squad which has great strength in depth with everyone deserving of their place.

The backbone of the team is made up of (Alessandro) Nesta, (Fabio) Cannavaro, Buffon, (Francesco) Totti and (Alessandro) Del Piero. The rest of the squad, excellent players in their own right, are guided and helped along by these stars.

(Marcello) Lippi sent out a very balanced team and that paid off this evening. They never gave up and were always first to every ball in attack and defence. Such a compact unit will always get results. They all deserve top marks. Lippi deserves a lot of credit for the way he’s prepared the squad and the tactics he’s used.

Of course luck always plays a pivotal role in such long and tiring tournaments. We’ve hit the woodwork four times so luck hasn’t always been on our side!

Germany were very dangerous, even more so than the Azzurri. Italy dominated though and deserved to reach the Final.

I must admit I was a bit nervous when it went to extra time. I thought the team might be tired and the contest would end up going to penalties, and we all know what a lottery they are. What a shame it would’ve been to decide such a marvellously tense game on penalties! That would’ve left a bitter taste in the mouth.

A penalty shoot-out would’ve been an unfair way of deciding such an enthralling contest. It comes down to luck and two people, the goalkeeper and one other player.

I’d say that it was stroke of luck for us tonight that the match didn’t go to penalties.

When (Fabio) Grosso scored towards the end and then Del Piero made it safe with the last kick of the match…..I was overjoyed!

I have a message for the Azzurri: COME ON BOYS! YOU CAN DO IT!

Source: WCoffsite