Mattia Zaccagni's phone is constantly buzzing; it just won't stop vibrating. The day after scoring his first goal for the national team, which ranks among the most significant of his career, Zaccagni appears calm outwardly. However, the emotions from the night in Leipzig are still very much alive within him. Viral contributions on social media have played a significant role in helping him grasp the reality of what happened on 98' of Croatia vs Italy. One of the most widely shared posts points out the remarkable similarity to Alessandro Del Piero's goal in the 2006 World Cup semi-final against Germany in Dortmund (even though Zaccagni's goal 'only' secured qualification for the EURO round of 16). Another viral moment is the heartwarming celebration of his son Thiago, captured and shared by his wife Chiara, witnessing his father's memorable goal.

"The number of messages received, I don't know yet; I still have to reply to many," admitted the Lazio winger in an interview with Vivo Azzurro TV, the FIGC's OTT platform available on the App Store, Google Play, and the website www.vivoazzurrotv.it, during Casa Azzurri Live Germany, the daily show broadcast from Iserlohn. "I choose one: the message from my wife with the video she later posted, in which my son can be heard saying 'Ba Ba Ba' (he's learning to say 'dad', editor's note). But I've also received messages from friends, former teammates, and former coaches".

Someone who scored a similar goal in Dortmund was also in touch: "I spoke with Alex Del Piero last night. He was very happy and pleased for me, he told me to keep it up". Zaccagni remembers the dynamics of the goal very well, as he has watched it numerous times in these hours. 'Calafiori did well to bring the ball forward, then he saw me out of the corner of his eye and gave me the perfect pass to shoot. I didn't hesitate for a moment".

The celebration was also reminiscent of Del Piero's from 18 years ago in July: 'I wanted to get as close as possible to the bench, I reached the corner flag and was swarmed by everyone. Spalletti came straight to me, kissed and hugged me. It was crucial to advance as group runners-up, it was a beautiful evening for everyone, and I will carry it forever in my heart".

From a beautiful evening to a Saturday afternoon that Italy hopes will be equally wonderful. Zaccagni added, "The strength of the group is crucial in these competitions. In clubs, maybe it's easier to build it because there's more time together. But this is a wonderful group, we're doing well, and the coach has been excellent throughout".  Returning to the Iserlohn camp at 4 in the morning after a flight from Leipzig that landed at Paderborn airport, Italy found about ten fans waiting at the hotel entrance. Quite a number, considering the hour. "They're giving us a great boost and the strength to keep dreaming".

In 2006, young Mattia was dreaming in the family hotel. On the TV screen, images from Berlin's Olympiastadion played out, the same venue that will host Saturday's Round of 16 match against Switzerland. "Returning to Berlin will be emotional for all of us. I was 11 years old and I remember that after the match, it was wonderful to celebrate with the fans". Those same fans, who grew up like him, were sent jumping from their seats last night with that curling shot that from Del Piero, to Insigne, and now to Zaccagni, continues to be part of the Azzurri DNA."

The interview with Mattia Zaccagni is on Vivo Azzurro TV.