OASIS - GALLAGHER INSPIRES ITALIAN WORLD CUP WIN

GALLAGHER INSPIRES ITALIAN WORLD CUP WIN

OASIS rocker NOEL GALLAGHER was the inspiration behind Italy's FIFA World Cup Final triumph over France yesterday (09JUL06), because he is striker ALESANDRO DEL PIERO's lucky charm. Gallagher became friends with the Juventus star after meeting him at a gig in Italy, and he became Del Piero's "lucky charm" after watching him score against Germany in the semi-final match played last week (ends07JUL06). He says, "It was the first time I'd seen Italy play and before the game we went to the hotel and Del Piero was a bit upset because he wasn't starting but he then said, 'I'm going to come off the bench and score.' "After the game he said I'd become his lucky mascot so I went to the Final and wore the exact same clothes and underwear and socks to bring him good luck." Del Piero came on as a second half substitute and scored one of Italy's penalties in their shootout victory.