This Day in History: 2023-03-16

Nr. 426

AZZURRI RETURN RED-FACED (1966)

North Korea’s Red Mosquitoes had dumped them out in the first group stage of the 1966 World Cup and the Italian stars were understandably nervous about their reception back home. Hoping to sneak back unnoticed, on 20 July the disgraced Azzurri persuaded the authorities to divert their charter flight to Genoa instead of Milan, but the subterfuge was to no avail. News of their rescheduled arrival plans was leaked to the local Genoese fans by a mysterious character going under the nom de guerrre of ‘Christoforo Colombo’ and the footballers got their airport reception after all. It consisted of enthusiastic jeering anda hail of tomatoes and eggs.

The Italian team could not escape the wave of public criticism that followed their weak showing and early exit from the World Cup.