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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Joshua Knapman

Welsh-Italians meet at Cardiff pub to cheer on Italy for Euro 2020 final against England

Italian fans have gathered at a Cardiff pub ahead of the Euro 2020 final, which is being held in Wembley.

There's a sea of blue as Italians and supporters packed into The Flora in Cathays - as much as Covid restrictions allowed.

Flags are everywhere, funny wigs have been donned and there are people dressed up in a room that is essentially a sea of blue.

Roberto Mancini's side sealed their place in the showpiece event by beating Spain on penalties on Tuesday night, with England seeing off Denmark after extra time 24 hours later.

Read more: Bars and shops in Wales 'running out of' Italian beer ahead of Euro 2020 final

Back in the pub, Dario Palmeri, 32, is from Palermo - the capital of the Italian island of Sicily - and has lived in the UK for 10 years. He's currently living in Cardiff, where he says he feels at home.

"There's a big group of Italians so the atmosphere is cheering up, we're very sure we're going to win," he said.

"If Italy win the night is going to on but if Italy lose it might be 10.45 and I'll go to sleep straight away.

"It's good, we're enjoying the atmosphere and the pub has been very welcoming to us.

"We've got people dressing up, doing their hair - there's flags everywhere."

Italian fans, including Dario (second from right), prepare to watch the Euros final between England and Italy at The Flora in Cathays, Cardiff (Mark Lewis)

Dario's lived in England as well as Wales and said he's got friends in England, so there are no hostile rivalries - it's all very friendly.

He added: "If some English fans come in it's not going to be a big issue for us - everyone's welcome. We just booked a room. It's all very friendly, we don't believe in any stupid actions, like being racist, especially over football. We're cheering together.

"I love Italy, it's my country, but I feel at home in Cardiff now."

A lot of fans here are predicting an Italian win (Mark Lewis)

David Shehu is 28 and has been living in Cardiff Bay since 2017. He's come to the Flora with some Italian friends to watch the game, although he's originally from Albania.

He said the room is mostly full of Italian supporters, there's a real buzz and people are eating food and spending money.

He said he's excited for the game and thinks Italy will win 2-1.

"We are at the Flora in Cardiff - it's getting full, we're just waiting for the game to start.

"As far as I can see we're all supporting Italy here, I can't wait.

"I think it'll be 2-1 for Italy - let's hope!"

Getting ready for the game (Mark Lewis)

Gabriela, who's boyfriend is Italian, has lived in Cardiff for 15 years.

She said: "[The atmosphere is] amazing, everyone is so excited - we can't wait. We really hope we'll win.

"Where we're sitting I can just see Italian fans - it's just blue colours

"I think it'll be 2-1 for Italy. My boyfriend is Italian so I'm supporting Italy, but I also love England because we are living in the UK."

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