Browse all

Inside the Conference's League party in Roma

A European trophy that has been missing for far too long has brought Giallorossi fans to the streets

Inside the Conference's League party in Roma A European trophy that has been missing for far too long has brought Giallorossi fans to the streets

A wait for a trophy that had lasted since 2008, when Francesco Totti raised the Coppa Italia to the sky, and even since 1961 for an international title, was broken last night in Tirana. The Conference League victory represented for Roma the breaking of a fast that had been too long for its fans, who first gathered at the Stadio Olimpico and then poured into the streets of the city. From the Colosseum to Piazza Venezia, the centre of Rome was painted in the Giallorossi colours with shirts, scarves, flags and smoke bombs, manifesting an irrepressible joy for a square that was so eager to celebrate.

The Tirana final against Feyenoord was decided by Nicolò Zaniolo's goal in the 32nd minute, who tamed a Mancini cross and mocked the entire Dutch defence with a soft touch underneath, with Roma closing in on their own half in the second half and relying on Rui Patricio's saves.

It is the first Conference League final that will forever remain linked to the name of the Giallorossi team, while it is the fifth European trophy of José Mourinho's extraordinary career, after two Champions Leagues, a UEFA Cup and a Europa League. The Special One through tears confirmed his infallibility when it came to a continental final, giving a trophy at the first possible opportunity.