EURO2020 is finally upon us, tonight.
Italy v Turkey in Rome is the inaugural game to get the tournament underway.
Around 15,000 home fans will belt out the Italian national anthem with gusto, bringing some much needed buzz and atmosphere to the game, especially on such a prominent occasion – to kick-off what will hopefuly be a memorable tournament of great football.
The home side will be led by the old guard such as Bonucci, Chiellini and Jorginho as the list of Italian names makes the mind wander to those who have worn another famous blue shirt.
With one in particular being quite obvious due to his success, dedication and popularity, how many of the other Italians at Rangers can you remember and what are your memories of their time at Ibrox.
Please let us know on Twitter @vitalrangers
The 11 #Azzurri selected by Roberto Mancini for tonight's opener! 📋#ITA #TURITA #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/WggaZH1ip1
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) June 11, 2021
Rangers six Italian players:
Lorenzo Amoruso (1997-2003)
Numero Uno. A true blue, Captain, a treble winner and more. Still very popular to this day amongst the Rangers support. Signed by Walter Smith from Fiorentina for a reported £4 million. Also played under Dick Advocaat and Alex McLeish before he moved on to the Premier League with Blackburn. 149 appearances, 3 Scottish titles, 3 Scottish cups, 3 League cups. Legend.
Rino Gattuso (1997-98)
Before Rino was Gennaro, he had a brief stay in Glasgow, another Walter Smith signing. Dick Advocaat didn’t fancy him as a midfielder and soon after he was back in Italy with newly promoted Salernitana. Over a decade at AC Milan would follow, as did Champions League and World Cup titles. One that got away.
Marco Negri (1997-2001)
The enigma. 36 goals before Christmas in the ill fated ten in a row season then it all changed. A strange injury incident was followed by a collapse of a Rangers career that promised so much. He would only play three more games after that exposive first season.
Sergio Porrini (1997-2001)
A £4 million signing from Juventus where Porrini had won it all, domestically as well as the Champions League. Yes, the 90s were different days! Played for Rangers with style and aplomb, solid signing.
Luigi Riccio (1997-1999)
Something of an unknown but a familar name for the anoraks. Only made one sub appearance and was on the bench on that day at Parkhead in 1999. Let’s all do the huddle.
Paolo Vanoli (2003-2005)
A journeyman player, signed by Big Eck to plug a gap at left-back. 28 appearances and one goal – an absolute screamer against Dundee at Ibrox from distance. Wonder goal, go look for it if you haven’t seen it or have forgotten. Also played against the Gers for Parma a few years earlier.