The World Cup trophy comes back to Italy with a triumphant return.

Marcello Lippi’s team are sure to receive a tumultuous welcome when they parade their prize at Rome’s Circus Maximus, even with the verdicts due at any moment in a match-fixing case which could see four leading clubs demoted from the top league.

The Italians held their nerve before a television audience of more than a billion people on Sunday night to convert five flawless penalties, after the Final finished 1-1 in Berlin’s Olympiastadion at the end of extra time.

Fullback Fabio Grosso scored the decisive kick. France’s David Trezeguet had handed the advantage to the Italians by hitting his penalty against the crossbar.

“The players have unlimited heart, character and personality,” Lippi declared after the win.

“This is the most satisfying moment of my life.”

Source: WCoffsite