Abu Dhabi: Italians in the capital were excited to see and touch the football World Cup trophy their country won in 2006, which was put on display by the Italian embassy to mark the country's national day.
The Italian embassy arranged the display of the cup at its national day reception held at Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi on Monday evening.
Many Italians said the national day celebrations made them feel proud as it was a rare opportunity to see and touch the symbol of one of the biggest sporting achievements of their country in the recent past. Some lined up to touch the trophy and take photos with it.
“I called up my parents in Italy and my brothers in South Africa to inform them that I touched the World Cup'', said Massimo Conte, a pilot who has been living in the capital for past three years.
“I had watched the final match in 2006 on a big screen at my brother's hotel in South Africa and we celebrated our victory for many days. My brothers were excited to know that I had the fortune to touch the cup'', said Conte.
Simon Santi, who works in Dubai, has been keeping a picture of the World Cup on his mobile phone for past two years. “I never imagined that I would be able to take a picture of it. Now I can keep the real picture taken by me on my mobile phone,'' said Santi.
Italian Ambassador Paolo Dionisi, who kicked off the reception said: “On this day we show our pride, our happiness to be Italian. Tonight, if it is possible, we are even prouder to be Italian because we host the World Cup''
Dionisi started his career as an ambassador during the World Cup Football in 2006. For him, the Italian victory was a symbol that his tenure was starting off on the right foot.
He said the UAE also deserves the cup as the country has shown the world what can be done in a few decades. “You are really the world champions. Italy will always be at your side…Viva Italia! Viva Emirati Arabi Uniti!'' said the ambassador in Italian.
The evening was a reminder of Italian celebrations worldwide in 2006. Paola Barrera, a musician in Abu Dhabi said she had worn the traditional Italian dress to mark the country's success,'' said Barrera.
Giacomo, an Engineer, said he could not believe his eyes upon seeing the cup. “I doubted whether it was real or not. I was convinced when Ambassador made the announcement'', he said.
Alessandro Galli watched the game on television with his friends in Italy. He said it was the third best day of his life, after his birthday and the day he met his girlfriend.
Patina and Bianca Mostacci watched the tournament with their family in Lebanon. Neither of them have forgotten the excitement. “It was amazing,'' Patina said, “People went crazy outside with their car horns.''
- With inputs from Marie Magleby, special to Gulf News
