Italia! Italia! Italia!

Cries of “Italia! Italia!” filled the air as scores of local fans throughout South Trinidad yesterday celebrated a nail-biting Italian victory over France in yesterday’s World Cup final.

From as early as 1 pm, scores of supporters, several sporting the blue jerseys of the Azzurri, gathered at the Edge Pub, Paria Suites, La Romaine, to cheer their team to victory.

Several large televisions, including a large 62-inch television, were scattered throughout the club enabling a clear view of the match.

Before the game, one supporter, Josanne Mohammed, who proudly sported her blue Italian jersey, described the Italian team as “world champions” who deserved to win the tournament after their performances against hosts Germany and Ukraine.

However, the good-natured atmosphere of the club was momentarily dampened when French captain and midfield star, Zinedine Zidane, head butted an Italian player during extra time.

One irate supporter, Darryl Rampersad, said Zidane had soured both the World Cup and scarred his retirement from the sport.

“If he had used his head to score goals, then the French would have easily won the trophy,” he said.

Meanwhile, at Screamers II, Cross Crossing, San Fernando Zidane’s head-butt remained the hot topic of discussion after the game with the large pro-Italy crowd agreeing that the Italian team deserved to lift the coveted trophy.