A heartfelt moment of remembrance in front of the plaque next to where the notorious Sector Z was located. This evening, on the eve of the Nations League match against Belgium, the entire National Team paid tribute to the victims of the Heysel Stadium disaster at the renamed King Baudouin Stadium.

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, Delegation Head Gianluigi Buffon and Head Coach Luciano Spalletti – together with staff members and the Azzurri squad – laid three bouquets of flowers (one red, one white and one green) at the location where 39 people lost their lives before the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus on 29 May 1985.

“The presence of the Azzurri at the site where the Heysel Stadium disaster occurred represents a sign of great respect and sees us bear witness to the events of that day,” said Gravina. “Memory defines us as individuals and as a movement. The pain of that tragedy can’t and must not be forgotten, for the victims, for their family members and for all of European football, to ensure it never happens again.”

“The date of 29 May 1985 must remain in everyone’s memory,” said Spalletti. “We owe that respect to all those families. Football is made up of beautiful things, but there are also sad moments like this that we must prevent. We must make this clear to those who come to the stadium, which is a place to enjoy yourself, meet people and love a sport that means so much to many people.”

The commemoration was also attended by Belgian FA President Pascale Van Damme, Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden and Italian Ambassador to Brussels Federica Favi, who all laid wreaths in memory of the victims of the tragedy.