Party over, hangover setting in...

Eight years ago this month, I stood behind the goal with the Swedish fans at Boavista’s Bessa Stadium to watch the match that finished off Giovanni Trapattoni as Italy coach.

Sweden and Denmark knew a 2-2 draw would put them both through no matter what result Italy got against Bulgaria, and their fans had been singing “2-2, Ciao Italia” on the way to the match.

I still remember it as one of the best matches I’ve ever been to. Heavy rain beat down as two fired-up teams went for each other. The Swedish fans relentlessly abused Jon Dahl Tomasson, who celebrated both his goals by running to them with his finger to his lips.