For the first time in 19 years, Italy returned to the US to play international soccer. With the eloquent Luciano Spalletti at the forefront, Gli Azzurri leave New York on a high with two victories in the bag and, more importantly, a restored bond with millions of Italian-Americans. 

“We received a wonderful reception, a hug full of love and affection,” Spalletti told TuttoMercatoWeb following the 2-1 victory over Venezuela at Fort Lauderdale. “After seeing it and experiencing it in first person, I can say coming here was the right decision, so we gave this love back.”