Explosion of joy in Rome as Italy win World Cup

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2006

ROME (AFP) — Tens of thousands of Italians flocked onto the streets of Rome in a damburst of joy after their team's World Cup win over France in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out in the final.

Immediately after the final whistle in Germany, delirious supporters crowded into Piazza Venezia in the centre of the Italian capital to vent their delight and relief.

In nearby Bibo's Bar across the road from Prime Minister Romano Prodi's party headquarters, delirium broke out after Italy's full-back Paolo Grosso buried the decisive penalty.

"It's been a match of intense suffering but we've won it now, and everything's great," shouted waiter Carlo Dilizio, 47, above the din as fireworks rent the moonlight sky.

"I bought an Italian flag in 1982 (the last time...