It ended with an email and began with a betrayal. When Italy return to Wembley for the first time since their triumph over England in the final of Euro 2020, they will do so without a familiar face now tainted by controversy.
Roberto Mancini, the former Manchester City manager who led Italy to glory, is no longer at the helm. He announced his resignation in August and two weeks later was revealed as the new coach of Saudi Arabia. Both decisions sparked surprise, fury and confusion in his homeland. Not just in what he had done but also how he did it.