Italy, this year's National team of the year, returned to the very top of Europe in the summer, a place it had not been since 1968; Nicolò Barella took home 'Exploit of the year', after winning the Scudetto with Inter as well as becoming European Champion with the Azzurri; Daniele De Rossi won the ‘Legend’ award for his extraordinary career as a player and his role on the coaching staff of the National team that won the Euros. These were all the prizes awarded to Italy during the gala held in Milan for the seventh edition of the Gazzetta Sports Awards, presented by Francesca Brienza and Jury Chechi. A night under the banner of the stars to look back on an unforgettable sporting year, full of achievements and unexpected victories.

Italy's coach Roberto Mancini spoke after receiving the award: "What we did at the European Championships was incredible. A beautiful achievement that made the Italians happy and that makes us proud. We didn't start off as favourites, but we had a great group of players; we hoped to go all the way and as the matches went on, we improved. In the end, I think we deserved the title. Without the players, you can't do anything. I have always believed in us, from day one, I thought we could go and win the European Championship. The match that really gave us the belief was against Austria, it was very difficult. The other games were very open, but from that moment, I thought we could do it".

In just over three months, Italy will face another very important stage in its journey: The World Cup play-off against North Macedonia, taking place on 24 March at Stadio "Renzo Barbera" in Palermo.

"We have to remain calm," urged Mancini, "and go into the match with all our players at the top of their game, this will be vital. In March we have to emulate our past success".

Barella also spoke: "It would be great to go to the World Cup, and we'll do our best. We have to go through the playoffs, we'll give it our all". Daniele De Rossi finished off by saying: "The play-offs are not a problem for us, we'll be in the mix. We have to remember that four months ago we were the strongest team in Europe, rather than a reset we should rewind and find our form from back then".