Football: Italian fans stop traffic in Auckland

Elated Italians. A large group of Italian fans watched from Gina's Italian Kitchen this morning. Photo / New Zealand Herald / Sarah Ivey

Italy fans stopped traffic as they celebrated their win over England this morning.

Excited fans, watching the World Cup game at Gina's Italian restaurant in Auckland, poured out onto Symonds St after the game, waving flags and dancing in the street.

Cars with Italian flags drove past, drivers beeping horns, while fans -- with the Italian colours of green, white and red painted on their faces -- continued to jump up and down celebrating the win.

About 300 fans packed the restaurant, owner Alessandro Fantoni said, arriving as early as 7am to secure their seats.

Gloria Grimoldi, from Milan, said if felt good to win, and the team had played well to beat England 2:1.

"Mario Balotelli was great -- amazing Mario," she said.

Meanwhile, England fans who piled in to The Fox bar in the Viaduct from as early as 3am to catch the game, were not so buoyant.

General manager Ashley McIntyre said the atmosphere was different from when the bar plays a rugby game live.

"The fans are more passionate," she said.

View: Local fans watch England fall to Italy

Image 1 of 10: Football fans watch the Fifa World Cup match England -v- Italy at The Fox, Viaduct, Auckland. Photo / Michael Craig

"It only happens every four years so it's a bit special."

She said the mood didn't drop when England lost.

"Everyone's in really good spirits."

The bar had been at capacity with 350 people inside since 9am.

After the game many fans stuck around to sing football chants and drown their sorrows.