The euphoria of Wales' historic 2-1 Euro 2004 qualifier victory over the Azzurri of Italy has reached the highest levels.

There were wild scenes at the Millennium Stadium when Craig Bellamy slotted home the second crucial goal and when the final whistle blew, leaving Wales top of Group Nine with six points.

Mark Hughes: Team has lifted Wales

Thousands of fans across Wales celebrated the historic win over the three times world champions, as football was being hailed as the nation's new national game.

Assembly First Minister Rhodri Morgan said that "unless rugby got its act together", Wales' Mark Hughes' men would ensure football stole the nation's heart.

In Italy, where football is life, the newspapers were talking on Thursday morning of a "crise", which needs little translation.

The national manager Giovanni Trappatoni may end up stepping down for Dino Zoff.

But in Wales all the talk was of Wales' sensational, calm, assured performance, with manager Mark Hughes saying the people of Wales should be proud of the players.

Magic: Craig Bellamy scores Wales second goal

Mr Morgan was unable to be at the game, because another commitment, but he stayed up to watch the television highlights.

"It is unbelievable. I watched it on BBC1 at midnight and it was fantastic. The Italian goal was very streaky.

"If you took off the red shirts and put them in yellow, people would have thought they were watching Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.

"People round the world will be sitting up taking notice of a world class Wales performance."

On the issue of rugby versus football as the national sport, Mr Morgan issued a warning: "I think it will be soccer, unless rugby rises to the challenge.

"In Ireland, Jackie Charlton brought football up from the pits of despair, where the football was professional and rugby decided not to lie down and die and rose to the challenge."

Allegiances of Wales' large Italian community will have been tested on the night.

Football writer Mario Risoli said: "The public expects Wales to win and there is a sense that Italy is the underdog."

Risoli was right in predicting Alessandro Del Piero would score from a free kick.

Fans were equipped during the match with mock yellow cards from the Welsh Language Board, which included footballing clich�s such as shout "Cic o'r smotyn!" or "Rigore!" for a penalty.