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Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Simone Zaza’s penalty kick almost turned into a dance party and the internet loved it

His run-up was exaggerated, ridiculous and so fun!

Italy and Germany met up in the Euro 2016 quarterfinals in what turned out to be one of the best matches of the tournament. Germany eventually won the match in a wheels-off sudden death penalty shootout, but the highlight of the shootout wasn’t the kick that won it for Germany but the bizarre attempt by Simone Zaza.

That has to be the longest, most exhausting run-up in penalty kick history. It didn’t take long for the internet to do what the internet does and turn Zaza’s run-up to 11. Check these out.

And finally, a young Zaza learning how to kick a ball. Sooooo adorable.

Thank you, Zaza, and thank you, internet!

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