THE memory of Sir Bobby Robson was honoured last night at the premiere of a documentary about one of the highlights of his footballing career.

One Night in Turin tells the story of Italia 90, at which England reached the semifinals of the World Cup only to be knocked out on penalties by West Germany.


Watch the One Night in Turin trailer


The event was held in aid of the former national manager’s cancer charity at the Odeon cinema in the Metro- Centre, Gateshead.

It brought back the heartbreaking memories for members of the side that lost out at the second-to-last hurdle.

Stuart Pearce, who missed a penalty in the shoot-out that followed extra-time, said: “It certainly brought back some memories for me. Unlike other football films it’s an inside-the-squad documentary that gives a fly-on-thewall view.

“It’s not sensational in any way, shape or form. My memories are exactly what you see in the film – it’s not been dressed up.”

The film is based on the book All Played Out, by Pete Davies, and directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker James Erskine.

The film was also attended by members of Sir Bobby’s family. His son, Mark, said: “There is quite a lot of dad in it, which surprises me because it is not about him, but they have done a nice job on it.

“They have been fair despite the pressure he was under at the time from the tabloids because it did get pretty vicious.

“He comes out of it as a gentleman who was able to rise above it.”

One Night in Turin was put together from unseen archive footage and specially shot imagery by Sundance awardwinning cinematographer Lol Crawley.

It tells of the nation’s journey from despair to hope, from the disasters of Heysel and Hillsborough to the nailbiting semi-final.

It intimately depicts the leading characters such as Newcastle United legend Paul Gascoigne, whose tears after a booking made him a national hero, fellow Magpie Chris Waddle, and team captain Terry Butcher.

Mr Robson said: “Italia 90 is remembered as one of the highlights of dad’s career.

This film will bring back fond memories, in particular the success and spirit of the team and the impact it had back home.”

The premiere, one of 70 events to be held across the country, included a questionand- answer session hosted by TV presenter Jim Rosenthal.

One Night in Turin will be in cinemas from Tuesday and available on DVD and Blu-Ray from May 31.