With just seconds left in Leipzig, Italy were crying out for a hero as they trailed Croatia 1-0 and Zaccagni rose to the occasion.
The substitute secured Italy the draw they needed to reach the last 16 with virtually the final kick of the game, curling the ball into the top corner to finish off a flowing move.
It brought back memories of Del Piero's brilliant breakaway goal against Germany in the semifinals of the 2006 World Cup, and Zaccagni (above) has now written himself into Azzurri folklore, too.
"I'm speechless, I'm over the moon," he said. "Del Piero was always my idol, I had his posters on my wall as a child.
This story is from the June 25, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
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This story is from the June 25, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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