THERE were both cheers and tears in at least one Colchester household as Sunday’s European Championship final reached its nailbiting climax at Wembley.

Italian Sara Gaine and son Peter, 15, were supporting eventual winners Italy.

English husband John and other son Sonny, ten, meanwhile, were roaring for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.

It meant two were always going to emerge victorious - and two were going to be left crestfallen.

Sara, a learning support assistant, said: “No matter what happened, football was always coming home for us.

“On one side of our lounge we had two bright blue T-shirts and a beautiful Italy flag.

“On the other, there were two white and red T-shirts with the Three Lions on them - England’s pride.

“During the game there was an electric atmosphere.

“The house was on fire, with emotions of joy mixed with excitement and fear.

“Who would share tears of happiness at the end and who would be disappointed?

“In many ways it was a win-win situation, because we were divided into two teams.

“No matter who the winner was, two of us would be ecstatic at the end of the night.”

The family live in Magdalen Street and supported both teams throughout the Euros.

“John and I have been together for 16 years,” added Sara, 39.

Gazette: Split loyalties - Sara and John Gaine with sons Peter and Sonny

“We’ve been supporting both teams throughout the tournament but, of course, the story changed on Sunday.

“Peter and Sonny each supported a parent and consequently a different team.

“Peter joined me in supporting Italy.

“No matter how many years spent abroad, a true Italian never forgets his or her home and I watched the game with a bowl of spaghetti and an Italian beer.

“Italy will always be my home and Peter joined me in singing the national anthem and cheering on (Lorenzo) Insigne and (Ciro) Immobile.

“Sonny, on the other hand, was praying for England and rooting for (Harry) Kane and (Raheem) Sterling.

“It’s in his heart and so, regardless of the result, I would have been happy.

“Whatever happened, there were always going to be tears of joy and sadness.”

It was a game of contrasting emotions for friends of Rob Moore.

On one hand, there was sheer joy and elation for some as the Italians prevailed on penalties after a 1-1 draw. On the other, stunned disbelief as England’s miserable shoot-out record came back to haunt them again.

The picture left shows Italian Monica Giarrizzo watching the drama unfold at home in Stanway.

Monica, 38, lives with husband, Kieron, and children Evie and Damiano and they were glued to their TV set with friend Rob, his partner Gianna, the couple’s daughter, Diana, and Rob’s mother-in-law, Tracy.

Monica said: “Even though I was happy Italy won, I was sad for England.

“I didn’t want these teams to meet in the final and didn’t fully realise how I felt until the end of the match.”