Piazzas from Rome to Milan, and small towns in between, erupted in cheers and fireworks yesterday as hundreds of thousands of joyous, flag-waving Italians celebrated their team’s fourth World Cup title, won in a tense penalty shootout victory against France.

Piazzas from Rome to Milan, and small towns in between, erupted in cheers and fireworks tonight as hundreds of thousands of joyous, flag-waving fans celebrated Italy’s fourth World Cup title, won in a tense penalty-shot victory over France.

BRING on the Martians! Maybe it’s not the most catchy football chant for next season, but Il Messaggero captured perfectly the mood of delirium that swept across Italy at around 11.30 on Tuesday night.