Italia! Tony Ledonici celebrates Italy’s victory over France in the World Cup with Lynette and Jim de Bona. The three are members of Greater Dandenong’s Italo-Australian Club.
By Shaun Inguanzo
ON Monday Guy del Vecchio was supporting Italy but he was also cooking popcorn and toast in his Dandenong home for a family of disappointed Socceroos fans.
Italy this week defeated France in a penalty shootout to win the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Greater Dandenong’s Italian community celebrated the victory but for many it was a change in allegiance after Australia exited the tournament two weeks ago.
Mr del Vecchio was born in Italy but during the Italy-Australia clash last month threw his support entirely behind the Socceroos.
The Italo-Australian Club member said he remained disappointed with the outcome that spelt the Socceroos’ exit from the finals.
“Had Italy scored a couple, even one good goal against Australia, then the victory would have been to the merit of the Italian team,” he said.
“But the way Italy got that penalty – and I still don’t think it was a penalty – disappointed everybody.”
With the Socceroos out of the tournament, Mr del Vecchio’s family turned their support to Italy in honour of their heritage.
The victory was satisfying, particularly for Mr del Vecchio.
“I lay on the couch all day after the match and didn’t get much sleep,” he said with a husky voice but full of excitement.
“We were very pleased to see Italy win the World Cup.”
It was the second time Mr del Vecchio had witnessed Italy winning the World Cup, the first being in 1982.
With the 2006 cup part of history, Mr del Vecchio said he would resume following his Italian Serie A team, AC Milan.
But he will also resume support for Dandenong-based team Carrum United, which plays at the Italo-Australian Club on Dandenong-Frankston Road.
He said the Socceroos’ effort in the World Cup meant local participation was set to increase.
“This was the biggest boost for soccer in Australia and everyone is beginning to talk about it,” he said.
“I believe more and more children will choose to play soccer over other sports.”
