Pope Francis was pleased with the success of Italy against England at Euro 2020 and Argentina at the Copa America after defeating Brazil, Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, said on Monday.
The head of the catholic church stressed the importance and values of sports, which teaches to “accept any result, even the defeat.”
“Only in this way, faced with the difficulties of life, can we always get involved, fighting without giving up, with hope and trust,” a statement read.
Italy defeated England in London 3-2 in a penalty kicks shootout after a 1-1 draw to win Euro 2020 on Sunday.
Argentina, Pope Francis’ home nation, secured the Copa America title on Saturday with a 1-0 win over hosts Brazil in Rio de Janeiro.
Pope Francis is currently at a hospital in Rome, where he is recovering after an intestinal surgery.
According to the Vatican, he will remain there to “optimise therapy.”
Meanwhile, several Italian fans in Milan were injured early Monday in celebrations following their team’s Euro 2020 final win over England, local agencies Ansa and Adnkronos have reported.
Some 15 people were hurt at the party in the square beside Milan’s cathedral, including three people in their early 20s who were seriously injured, the reports said.
One person has supposedly lost fingers after a firework exploded.
Fans gathered in the major Italian cities after coach Roberto Mancini’s team lifted the trophy 3-2 in a penalty kicks shootout against England following a 1-1 draw.
Few among the supporters wore face masks or kept social distance in spite of this being required by current coronavirus rules in Italy.
In London, 49 people were arrested and 19 police officers injured in London on Sunday under a policing operation for England’s Euro 2020 final against Italy at Wembley.
The Metropolitan Police said early on Monday that a total of 49 people were arrested during a policing operation for the football match “for a variety of offences.”
“Frustratingly, 19 of our officers were injured while they confronted volatile crowds. This is wholly unacceptable,” the police force said on Twitter.
The Met Police also thanked “the tens of thousands of fans who had good spirits and behaved responsibly.”
Italy defeated England 3-2 on penalty kicks to win the trophy at Wembley late Sunday for their second continental title.
