Un'estate italiana

Composed by Giorgio Moroder, this song was the official anthem of the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. It was the first World Cup to have a designated official song, setting a precedent for future tournaments. The Italian version, performed by Edoardo Bennato and Gianna Nannini, is often called "Notti magiche" by locals. Moroder also produced Spanish and English renditions: Susan Ferrer sang "Un verano italiano" and wrote the Spanish lyrics, while the English version "To Be Number One" was performed by the Giorgio Moroder Project with lyrics by Tom Whitlock.

The recording took place at Oasis Studios in Hollywood and Excalibur Studios in Milan. Released on December 9, 1989, the single premiered live at the World Cup group stage draw in Rome. Sugar and Virgin Records handled distribution across multiple formats: a 7-inch vinyl, a 12-inch maxi-single, and a CD maxi-single, each backed with a karaoke version.

Chart success followed in several European countries. It peaked at number 2 in Germany, number 3 in Switzerland, and number 11 in Austria. In Italy, the song topped the charts and later earned a Platinum certification from FIMI for digital sales and streams. The track remains a nostalgic touchstone for football fans, often played at matches and events celebrating the 1990 tournament. [edit]