Every year is a big soccer year in Italy. When the national league finishes, victorious fans parade through city streets in their cars and mopeds. But it is during the international competitions that the Italian soccer fanaticism takes on a semblance of religious faith. On Sunday, Italy will try to beat England, in London, to add a new chapter to its storied soccer history. Four years after the national team faced the humiliation of failing to qualify for the World Cup, Italy — embracing a mix of youth and fun and its usual defensive excellence — has reset the expectations of its fans.

Source: International New York Times July 11, 2021 17:15 UTC