Italy national football team

Italy National Football Team

Nickname(s)

Azzurri

Association

Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio
(Italian Football Federation)

Confederation

UEFA (Europe)

Head coach

Roberto Donadoni (2006-)

Captain

Gianluigi Buffon (currently)^[1]
Fabio Cannavaro

Most caps

Paolo Maldini (126)

Top scorer

Luigi Riva (35)

FIFA code

ITA

FIFA ranking

Highest FIFA ranking

1 (November 1993
February 2007
April 2007-June 2007)

Lowest FIFA ranking

16 (April 1998)

Elo ranking

Highest Elo ranking

1 (June 1934-March 1940
December 1940-November 1945
July 2006-August 2006)

Lowest Elo ranking

21 (November 1959)





First kit





Second kit

First international

Italy 6 - 2 France

(Milan, Italy; 15 May 1910)

Biggest win

Italy 9 - 0 USA

(Brentford, England; 2 August 1948)

Biggest defeat

Hungary 7 - 1 Italy

(Budapest, Hungary; 6 April 1924)

World Cup

Appearances

16 (First in 1934)

Best result

Winners, 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006

European Championship

Appearances

6 (First in 1968)

Best result

Winners, 1968

Confederations Cup

Appearances

1 (First in 2009)

Best result

Qualified, 2009

Men's Football
Olympic medal record
Gold	1936 Berlin	Team
Bronze	1928 Amsterdam	Team
Bronze	2004 Athens	Team

The Italian national football team (Nazionale italiana di calcio) is controlled by the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC) and represents Italy in international football competition. See also Nickname This is a list of nicknames of men's and women's national football teams The Italian Football Federation (Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio FIGC) also known as Federcalcio, is the governing body of football in Italy The Union of European Football Associations (Union des associations européennes de football is the administrative and controlling body for European football. Roberto Donadoni (born September 9, 1963 in Cisano Bergamasco, Province of Bergamo, Lombardy) is an Italian football Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon, Cavaliere OMRI is an Italian FIFA World Cup -winning Goalkeeper who currently plays for Italian Serie Fabio Cannavaro, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born September 13, 1973 in Naples) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer A cap is an appearance for a select team such as a school county or international team in sports Paolo Cesare Maldini ( born 26 June 1968 in Milan) is a legendary Italian footballer who has played his entire career for Luigi Riva (born November 7, 1944) best known as Gigi Riva or by his nickname Rombo di Tuono (Thunder is a former Italian FIFA assigns a three-letter code (dubbed FIFA Trigramme) to each of its member and non-member countries History FIFA World Ranking Leaders In December 1992 FIFA first published The World Football Elo Ratings (Elo is often pronounced E-L-O despite not being an Acronym) is a ranking system for men's national teams in football. The French national football team represents the nation of France in international football. Milan (Milano Milan (listen) is one of the largest cities in Italy, located in the plains of Lombardy. Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest Events 1252 - Pope Innocent IV issues the Papal bull Ad exstirpanda, which authorizes but also limits the Year 1910 ( MCMX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting The United States men's national soccer team is the national Soccer team of the United States for men and is controlled by the United States Soccer Brentford is a suburb in the London Borough of Hounslow at the Confluence of the River Thames and the River Brent in West London England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Events 338 BC - A Macedonian army led by Philip II defeated the combined forces of Athens and Thebes in the Year 1948 ( MCMXLVIII) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the 1948 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Hungary national football team represents Hungary in international football and is controlled by the Hungarian Football Federation. Budapest ( also /ˈbʊ-/) is the capital city of Hungary. As the largest city of Hungary it serves as the country's principal Political, Hungary (Magyarország 'mɔɟɔrorsaːg) officially in English the Republic of Hungary ( Magyar Köztársaság, literally Magyar (Hungarian Republic Events 46 BC - Julius Caesar defeats Caecilius Metellus Scipio and Marcus Porcius Cato in the Battle of Thapsus Year 1924 ( MCMXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international Association football The 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second World Cup staged and was hosted in Italy from 27 May to 10 June The 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second World Cup staged and was hosted in Italy from 27 May to 10 June The 1938 FIFA World Cup was the third staging of the World Cup and was held in France from June 4 to June 19. The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th staging of the World Cup was held in Spain from June 13 to July 11. The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th instance of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament The UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA (the Union of European The 1968 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in Italy. The 1968 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in Italy. The FIFA Confederations Cup is an Association football tournament for national teams currently held every four years by FIFA. The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup will be the 8th Confederations Cup, held in South Africa from June 14 to June 28, 2009, as a prelude The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup will be the 8th Confederations Cup, held in South Africa from June 14 to June 28, 2009, as a prelude Association football, usually known simply as football or soccer has been included in every Olympiad except 1896 and 1932 as a men's competition sport The 1936 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XI Olympiad, an International Multi-sport event which was held in 1936 in Berlin The 1936 Olympic football tournament, won by Italy, has obviously come to share an affinity with the political backdrop against which it was being played in terms The 1928 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the IX Olympiad, was an International Multi-sport event which was celebrated in 1928 Football at the 1928 Summer Olympics tournament won with difficulty by Uruguay from their bitter rivals Argentina would be the precursor to the first FIFA World The 2004 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad, was an International Multi-sport event which was celebrated The football tournament at the 2004 Summer Olympics started on August 11, (two days before the opening ceremony and ended The Italian Football Federation (Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio FIGC) also known as Federcalcio, is the governing body of football in Italy Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered They are the current World Champions, having won the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th instance of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament

Italy is among the top teams in international football and the second most successful national team having won four World Cups (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006), just one fewer than Brazil. The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international Association football The 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second World Cup staged and was hosted in Italy from 27 May to 10 June The 1938 FIFA World Cup was the third staging of the World Cup and was held in France from June 4 to June 19. The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th staging of the World Cup was held in Spain from June 13 to July 11. The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th instance of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF that represents Brazil in international To this tally they can add one European championship (1968), two Central European International Cup and one Olympic Gold Medal (1936). The UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA (the Union of European The 1968 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in Italy. The Central European International Cup was an international football competition played for by national teams from Central Europe between 1927 and 1960 Association football, usually known simply as football or soccer has been included in every Olympiad except 1896 and 1932 as a men's competition sport The 1936 Olympic football tournament, won by Italy, has obviously come to share an affinity with the political backdrop against which it was being played in terms

The traditional colour of the national team (as well as all Italian teams and athletes, except for motor sports which uses red) is azure blue^[2] (azzurro, in Italian), due to the "Azzurro Savoia" (Savoy Blue), the colour traditionally linked to the dynasty which unified Italy in 1860. Azure is a Blue Color on the HSV color wheel at 210 degrees Azure is the Hue that is halfway between Blue and Cyan Italian ( or lingua italiana) is a Romance language spoken by about 63 million people as a First language, primarily in Italy. Therefore national team members are nicknamed Azzurri.

History

Origins and first two World Cups (1910–1938)

Poster advertising the 1934 World Cup. The 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second World Cup staged and was hosted in Italy from 27 May to 10 June

The team's first match was held in Milan on 15 May 1910; Italy defeated France by a score of 6-2. Milan (Milano Milan (listen) is one of the largest cities in Italy, located in the plains of Lombardy. Events 1252 - Pope Innocent IV issues the Papal bull Ad exstirpanda, which authorizes but also limits the Year 1910 ( MCMX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting The French national football team represents the nation of France in international football. ^[3]. Some turmoil kept the players of Pro Vercelli, the best team of the league, out of the game. Unione Sportiva Pro Vercelli Calcio was one of the most successful Italian football clubs in the early decades of the twentieth century with seven national At the end of the match, the players received as a prize some cigarette packets thrown by the 4,000 spectators. ^[4] The Italian team (2-3-5): De Simoni; Varisco, Calì; Trerè, Fossati, Capello; Debernardi, Rizzi, Cevenini I, Lana, Boiocchi. ^[5]

The first success in an official tournament came with the bronze medal in 1928 Summer Olympics, held in Amsterdam. The 1928 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the IX Olympiad, was an International Multi-sport event which was celebrated in 1928 Amsterdam (pronounced) is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, located in the province of North Holland in the west After losing the semi-final against Uruguay, a victory for 11-3 against Egypt secured third place in the competition. The Uruguay national football team is controlled by the Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol. The Egypt national football team (منتخب مصر لكرة القدم nicknamed The Pharaohs, is the national team of Egypt and is administered by the

After declining to participate in the first World Cup (1930, in Uruguay), the Italian national team won two consecutive editions of the tournament in 1934 and 1938, under the lead of coach Vittorio Pozzo and thanks to the genius of Giuseppe Meazza, one of the best Italian players ever. The 1930 FIFA World Cup was the first FIFA World Cup, the world championship for international football teams The 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second World Cup staged and was hosted in Italy from 27 May to 10 June The 1938 FIFA World Cup was the third staging of the World Cup and was held in France from June 4 to June 19. Vittorio Pozzo ( March 2 1886 in Turin, Piedmont, Italy &ndash Ponderano ( Biella) December 21 Giuseppe "Peppino" Meazza (23 August 1910–21 August 1979 also known as il "Balilla" Peppin and sometimes Pepp was an Italian footballer playing mainly for Other stars of that era included Luis Monti, Giovanni Ferrari, Silvio Piola and Virginio Rosetta In the 1934 World Cup, the host Azzurri defeated Czechoslovakia 2–1 in Rome, with goals by Raimundo Orsi and Angelo Schiavio. Luis Felipe Monti ( May 15, 1901 &ndash September 9, 1983) was an Italian - Argentine football player who has Giovanni Ferrari ( December 6, 1907 – December 2, 1982) was an Italian Football (soccer player Silvio Piola ( September 29, 1913 &ndash October 4, 1996) was an Italian footballer from Robbio Lomellina Virginio "Viri" Rosetta ( February 25, 1902 &mdash March 31, 1975) was an Italian former football player The 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second World Cup staged and was hosted in Italy from 27 May to 10 June The Czechoslovakia national football team was the national football team of Czechoslovakia, before the country was split into the Czech Republic Rome ( Roma ˈroma Roma is the capital city of Italy and Lazio, and is Italy's largest and most populous city with more than 2 Raimundo Bibiani "Mumo" Orsi ( December 2, 1901 in Avellaneda &ndash April 6, 1986) was a footballer born in __FORCETOC__ Angelo Schiavio ( 15 October, 1905

Italy won the Gold medal in the 1936 Summer Olympics, held in Berlin, thanks to a victory in the final match against Austria. The 1936 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XI Olympiad, an International Multi-sport event which was held in 1936 in Berlin Berlin is the capital city and one of sixteen states of Germany. The Austria national football team is the association football team that represents the Country of Austria in international competition and is controlled Italy's predominance on international football in the 1930s was confirmed by the victory in 1938 World Cup. The 1938 FIFA World Cup was the third staging of the World Cup and was held in France from June 4 to June 19. The Italian team beat Hungary 4–2 in Paris, with two goals by Silvio Piola (the all-time top scorer in Italian football) and two by Gino Colaussi. The Hungary national football team represents Hungary in international football and is controlled by the Hungarian Football Federation. Paris (ˈpærɨs in English; in French) is the Capital of France and the country's largest city Silvio Piola ( September 29, 1913 &ndash October 4, 1996) was an Italian footballer from Robbio Lomellina Luigi Colausig (Gino Colaussi ( March 4, 1914 – July 27, 1991) was an Italian footballer.

Post-World War II (1946–1966)

After World War II, the Italian national team did not perform at its pre-war levels. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including

The tragic loss in 1949 of the players of Torino (the winners of the previous four Serie A titles) in the Superga air disaster saw the loss of ten out of the eleven constituting the initial line-up for the national team. Torino Football Club 1906, commonly referred to as simply Torino, is an Italian professional football club based in Turin, Piedmont Serie A (officially known as the Lega Calcio Serie A TIM for Sponsorship reasons is a professional league competition for football clubs located The Superga air disaster took place on Wednesday May 4, 1949, when a plane carrying almost the entire Torino A The following year, Italy did not advance further than the first round of the 1950 World Cup, partly due to the long and physically devastating boat trip to Brazil (air travel was discarded due to fear of another accident). The 1950 FIFA World Cup, held in Brazil from June 24 to July 16, was the fourth staging of the World Cup and the first staged in 12 years due to World |utc_offset = -2 to -4 |time_zone_DST = BRST |utc_offset_DST = -2 to -5 |cctld

In the World Cup finals of 1954 and the 1962 that followed, Italy again failed to progress past the first round, and did not even qualify for the 1958 World Cup. The 1954 FIFA World Cup, the fifth staging of the World Cup was held in Switzerland from June 16 to July 4. The 1962 FIFA World Cup, the seventh staging of the World Cup was held in Chile from May 30 to June 17. The 1958 FIFA World Cup, the sixth staging of the World Cup was hosted by Sweden from June 8 to June 29. During the early 1960s, although Italian football clubs like AC Milan and Internazionale ruled the international scene, the National team was unable to replicate these results. Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy Football Club Internazionale Milano, most commonly referred to as simply Internazionale, or Inter, is an Italian professional football club Italy did not take part in the first edition of the European Championship in 1960 (then known as the European Nations Cup), and was knocked out by the USSR in the round of 16 (second round) of the 1964 European Championship. The 1960 UEFA European Nations Cup was the first European Football Championship, held every four years and endorsed by UEFA. The USSR national football team was the national football team of the Soviet Union. The 1964 UEFA European Nations Cup was the second edition of the quadrennial European Football Championship, endorsed by UEFA.

Their participation in the 1966 World Cup is always remembered for their 0–1 defeat at the hands of North Korea. The 1966 FIFA World Cup, the eighth staging of the World Cup was held in England from 11 July to 30 July The national football team of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (recognized as Korea DPR by FIFA) is the national team of North Korea and is controlled Despite being the tournament favourites, the Azzurri, whose 1966 squad was rich with talent including Rivera and Bulgarelli, were eliminated in the first round by the semi-professional North Koreans and bitterly condemned upon their return home, while North Korean scorer Pak Doo-Ik was celebrated as the David who killed Goliath. Giovanni ("Gianni" Rivera (born August 18, 1943 in Alessandria) is a former Italian football player who was awarded Giacomo Bulgarelli (born October 24, 1940) was a former Italian footballer and TV commentator Pak Doo-Ik (born 17 March 1942) is a former North Korean footballer. David, Arabic: داوود or داود dawud, "beloved" was the second king of the united Kingdom of Israel according to the Hebrew Bible Goliath ( גָּלְיָת, Standard Hebrew Golyat, Tiberian Hebrew Golyāṯ, Arabic: جالوت Jalut (Muslim ^[6].

European champions and World Cup runners-up (1968–1976)

In 1968, the Azzurri won their first major competition since the 1938 World Cup, defeating Yugoslavia in Rome for the European Championship title. The Yugoslavia national football team refers to the national football team that represented the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1920-1941 and the Socialist Federal Republic The 1968 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in Italy. The match holds the distinction of being the only major football tournament final to go to a replay. After extra time it ended in a 1-1 draw, and in the days before penalty shootouts, the rules required the match to be replayed a few days later. Italy won the replay 2-0 (with goals from Riva and Anastasi) to lift the trophy. Luigi Riva (born November 7, 1944) best known as Gigi Riva or by his nickname Rombo di Tuono (Thunder is a former Italian Pietro Anastasi (born April 7, 1948) nicknamed Petruzzu 'u turcu by fans was an Italian former footballer, playing in

Two years later, the defending European Champions reached the final of the 1970 World Cup, held in Mexico. The 1970 FIFA World Cup, the ninth staging of the World Cup was held in Mexico, from May 31 to June 21. First, Italy won its first round group scoring only one goal, after a series of dull, uninspired games against Sweden, Uruguay, and Israel. The Swedish national football team is the national football team of Sweden and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association. The Uruguay national football team is controlled by the Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol. The Israeli National Football Team (נבחרת ישראל בכדורגל is the national football team of Israel and is controlled by the Israel Football Association The quarter-finals saw a transformed Italy prevail 4-1 over host Mexico after trailing 0-1. The Mexican national football team is controlled by the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol and represents Mexico in international football competition Then came the semifinal between Italy and West Germany which is remembered as one of the greatest games ever played. The German national football team (Die deutsche Fußballnationalmannschaft From 1950 to 1990 the team was also informally called West Germany in English as since This match, won by Italy 4-3 after extra time, is known as the Game of the Century, and a marker at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City still commemorates it. The Semi-final of the 1970 FIFA World Cup between Italy and West Germany is known in those countries as the "Game of the Century" Estadio Azteca is a Stadium in Mexico City Mexico. It is the official home stadium of the Mexico national football team and the Mexican team Italy took a 1-0 lead through Boninsegna in the 8th minute, leaving Germany to press forward for the rest of the game. Roberto Boninsegna (born November 13, 1943 in Mantua) is an Italian former football player The score remained unchanged until the very end when sweeper Schnellinger, then with Italy's AC Milan, popped up unmarked in the penalty area to score in injury time. Karl-Heinz Schnellinger (born March 31, 1939 in Düren) is a former German footballer. Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered In extra time, Müller gave Germany the lead on 94' before defender Burgnich levelled the score with a rare international goal. Gerhard "Gerd" Müller (German ˈgɛʀt ˈmʏlɐ born November 3, 1945 in Nördlingen) is a former (West German football Tarcisio Burgnich (born April 25, 1939 in Ruda, Italy) is a former Italian football defender. On 104', Riva made it 3-2, only for Müller to equalize six minutes later with a glancing header. Luigi Riva (born November 7, 1944) best known as Gigi Riva or by his nickname Rombo di Tuono (Thunder is a former Italian Gerhard "Gerd" Müller (German ˈgɛʀt ˈmʏlɐ born November 3, 1945 in Nördlingen) is a former (West German football The TV cameras were still replaying this goal when Rivera met a Boninsegna cross with a first-time shot past Sepp Maier for the winning goal in the 111th minute. Giovanni ("Gianni" Rivera (born August 18, 1943 in Alessandria) is a former Italian football player who was awarded Josef Dieter "Sepp" Maier (born 28 February 1944) is a German former professional football Goalkeeper. For the very first time, people gathered in the streets of Italy in the late night to cheer for the victory, and after many years this game still remains the best remembered in Italian football history.

In the two games against Mexico and West Germany, coach Ferruccio Valcareggi had Rivera replace Mazzola in a planned second half substitution, which was called staffetta (meaning relay as in athletics). Ferruccio Valcareggi ( 12 February 1919 &ndash 2 November 2005) was an Italian football player and coach Alessandro ("Sandro" Mazzola (born 8 November 1942 is an Italian former football player This tactic was not repeated in the final, where Italy was defeated by Brazil. The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF that represents Brazil in international In the first half, Boninsegna answered Pelé's 18th minute goal to level the scores. In the second half, Brazil's firepower was simply too much for a tired Italian side, with Jairzinho, Gerson and Carlos Alberto each scoring. Jairzinho, birth name Jair Ventura Filho, (born December 25 1944) is a former Brazilian footballer. See Carlos Alberto for other football players. Carlos Alberto Torres (born July 17, 1944, Rio de Janeiro The final 4-1 result consecrated Brazil as tri-campeão (three-time champion).

This generation of great Italian players, like Riva, Rivera, Mazzola and Facchetti, did not keep up the same level of performance at the next 1972 European Championship where they did not reach the playoffs. Giacinto Facchetti ( 18 July 1942 &ndash 4 September 2006) was an Italian football player The 1972 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in Belgium. In 1973 they achieved prestigious victories in friendly matches, beating Brazil once and England twice. In particular, Italy stormed Wembley Stadium, winning 1-0 with a goal by Fabio Capello. original Wembley Stadium was a football Stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the Fabio Capello (born 18 June 1946 in Pieris, San Canzian d'Isonzo, Gorizia) is an Italian football manager and former professional Despite these encouraging results, coach Valcareggi resigned after the Italian team's elimination in the first round of the 1974 World Cup. The 1974 FIFA World Cup, the tenth staging of the World Cup was held in West Germany from June 13 to July 7. Italy was also eliminated at an early stage in 1976 European Championship. The 1976 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in Yugoslavia.

World Cup winners for the third time (1978–1982)

The 1978 FIFA World Cup, held in Argentina, saw a new generation of Italian players, the most famous being Paolo Rossi, coming to the international stage. The 1978 FIFA World Cup, the 11th staging of the World Cup was held in Argentina between June 1 and June 25. Paolo Rossi (born September 23, 1956) is an Italian former Football (soccer player Italy played very well in the first round, being the only team in the tournament to beat the eventual champions and host team Argentina. The Argentina national football team is the national football team of Argentina and is controlled by the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA Second round games against West Germany, Austria and Netherlands led Italy to the third place final, where it was defeated by Brazil 2-1. The German national football team (Die deutsche Fußballnationalmannschaft From 1950 to 1990 the team was also informally called West Germany in English as since The Austria national football team is the association football team that represents the Country of Austria in international competition and is controlled The Netherlands national football team is the national football team of the Netherlands and is controlled by the Royal Netherlands Football Association The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF that represents Brazil in international As in the match against the Netherlands, Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff was beaten by a long-distance shot and thus blamed as the main culprit for the defeat. Dino Zoff (born February 28, 1942 in Mariano del Friuli) is an Italian former football Goalkeeper and is the oldest winner Italy then hosted the 1980 UEFA European Football Championship, the first edition to be held between eight teams instead of four, and with the host team automatically qualified for the finals. The 1980 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in Italy. Italy was beaten by Czechoslovakia in the third place match on penalties. The Czechoslovakia national football team was the national football team of Czechoslovakia, before the country was split into the Czech Republic

After a scandal in Serie A where some National Team players such as Paolo Rossi were prosecuted and suspended for match fixing and illegal betting, the Azzurri arrived at the 1982 FIFA World Cup amidst general scepticism and discomfort. Serie A (officially known as the Lega Calcio Serie A TIM for Sponsorship reasons is a professional league competition for football clubs located The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th staging of the World Cup was held in Spain from June 13 to July 11. Italy qualified for the second round after three uninspiring draws against Poland, Peru and Cameroon. The Poland national football team (Reprezentacja Polski w piłce nożnej is the national football team of Poland, under the auspices of the Polish The Peru national football team is controlled by the Federación Peruana de Fútbol (FPF and represents Peru in international football competitions The Cameroon national football team, nicknamed Lions Indomptables (Indomitable Lions, is controlled by the Fédération Camerounaise de Football and is Africa's Having been loudly criticized, the Italian team decided on a press black-out from then on, with only coach Enzo Bearzot and captain Dino Zoff appointed to speak to the press. Enzo Bearzot (born 26 September 1927 in Aiello del Friuli) is a former Italian football Dino Zoff (born February 28, 1942 in Mariano del Friuli) is an Italian former football Goalkeeper and is the oldest winner

Italy's strength finally showed in the second round group, a true Group of Death with Argentina and Brazil - the defending champions and the team favoured to dethrone them. Group of death is an informal Sobriquet used in football and other team sports to describe a situation that often occurs during the group stage of a The Argentina national football team is the national football team of Argentina and is controlled by the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF that represents Brazil in international In the opener, Italy prevailed 2-1 over Diego Maradona's side after an ill-tempered battle in which Italy's defenders and midfielders proved their mastery in the rougher side of the game. Italy's goals, both excellent left-footed strikes, were scored by Marco Tardelli and Antonio Cabrini. Marco Tardelli (born September 24, 1954) is a former football player from Italy, and is the current Antonio Cabrini (born October 8, 1957) is a Football (soccer coach and former successful player from Italy. After Brazil defeated Argentina 3-1, Italy needed to win in order to advance to the semifinals. Twice Italy went in the lead with Paolo Rossi goals, and twice Brazil came back. When Paulo Roberto Falcão scored to make it 2-2 Brazil would have been through on goal difference; but in the 74th minute Rossi poked home the winning goal in a crowded penalty area to send Italy to the semifinals after one of the all-time greatest games in World Cup history^[7]. Paulo Roberto Falcão (born October 16, 1953) is a retired Brazilian footballer He is widely considered one of the best players in Sport In the wake of its brilliant second round performance, Italy easily dispatched Poland in the first semi-final with another two goals from Rossi.

Tardelli's famous roar of joy after scoring against West Germany in the 1982 World Cup final. Marco Tardelli (born September 24, 1954) is a former football player from Italy, and is the current The German national football team (Die deutsche Fußballnationalmannschaft From 1950 to 1990 the team was also informally called West Germany in English as since The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th staging of the World Cup was held in Spain from June 13 to July 11.

In the final match, Italy met their traditional opponent West Germany, who had advanced thanks to a penalty shootout victory against France. The German national football team (Die deutsche Fußballnationalmannschaft From 1950 to 1990 the team was also informally called West Germany in English as since The first half ended scoreless, after Cabrini missed a penalty awarded for a Hans-Peter Briegel foul on Bruno Conti. Antonio Cabrini (born October 8, 1957) is a Football (soccer coach and former successful player from Italy. Hans-Peter Briegel (born October 11, 1955 in Rodenbach, West Germany) is a former German football player and manager Bruno Conti (born March 13, 1955 in Nettuno, Province of Rome) is an Italian ex- football player and former coach of the In the second half Paolo Rossi again scored the first goal, and while the Germans were pushing forward in search of an equaliser, Tardelli and substitute Alessandro Altobelli finalised two perfect contropiede counterattacks to make it 3-0. Marco Tardelli (born September 24, 1954) is a former football player from Italy, and is the current Alessandro Altobelli (born November 28, 1955 in Sonnino, Latina) is an Italian former football player Paul Breitner smashed home West Germany's consolation goal seven minutes from the end, making him the second man after Pelé to score in two different World Cup finals. Paul Breitner (born September 5, 1951 in Kolbermoor, Bavaria) is a former German football player

Tardelli's scream after his goal in the final is still remembered as the symbol of Italy's 1982 World Cup triumph. Paolo Rossi won the Golden Boot with six goals, and 40-year-old captain-goalkeeper Dino Zoff became the oldest-ever player to win the World Cup. At the end of each FIFA World Cup final tournament several awards are attributed to the players and teams which have distinguished from the rest in different aspects of the game Dino Zoff (born February 28, 1942 in Mariano del Friuli) is an Italian former football Goalkeeper and is the oldest winner

World Cup and European Championship runners-up (1984–2004)

For twenty-four years following the 1982 triumph, the Azzurri figured prominently on the world stage but did not win another tournament. Italy failed to qualify for the 1984 European Championship and were knocked out in the Round of 16 of the 1986 World Cup by France. The 1984 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in France. The 1986 FIFA World Cup, the 13th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in Mexico from May 31 to June 29. The French national football team represents the nation of France in international football. 1988 saw them reach the semifinals of the European Championship, where they were defeated 2-0 by the USSR. The 1988 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in West Germany. The USSR national football team was the national football team of the Soviet Union.

Italy hosted the World Cup for the second time in 1990. The Italian attack featured talented forwards Salvatore Schillaci and a young Roberto Baggio. Salvatore Schillaci (born December 1, 1964 in Palermo) commonly referred to by his nickname Totò, is an Italian former Roberto Baggio (born 18 February 1967 in Caldogno, Veneto) is a retired Italian footballer among the most technically gifted Despite being favourites^[8] to win and not conceding a goal in their first five matches, Italy lost in the semifinal to defending champion Argentina, losing 4-3 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw after extra time. The Argentina national football team is the national football team of Argentina and is controlled by the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA Schillaci's first half opener having been equalised in the second half by Claudio Caniggia's header for Argentina. Salvatore Schillaci (born December 1, 1964 in Palermo) commonly referred to by his nickname Totò, is an Italian former Claudio Paul Caniggia (born January 9, 1967 in Henderson Buenos Aires) is a former Argentine football forward, who played Aldo Serena missed the final penalty kick (with Roberto Donadoni also having his penalty saved by goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea). Aldo Serena (born in Montebelluna on 25 June 1960) is an Italian former footballer. Roberto Donadoni (born September 9, 1963 in Cisano Bergamasco, Province of Bergamo, Lombardy) is an Italian football Sergio Javier Goycochea haˈ&betajeɾ gojkoˈʧea (born October 17, 1963 in Lima Buenos Aires) is a famous Argentine former football Italy went on to defeat England 2-1 in the third place match, with Schillaci scoring the winning goal on a penalty to become the tournament's top scorer with 6 goals. The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football Salvatore Schillaci (born December 1, 1964 in Palermo) commonly referred to by his nickname Totò, is an Italian former Italy then failed to qualify for the 1992 European Championship. The 1992 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was hosted by Sweden.

In the 1994 World Cup, Italy started very slowly but reached the final. The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in the United States from June 17 to July 17 1994 They lost the opening match against Ireland 0-1, this being the only match Italy would lose (not counting games lost after shootout) over the span of three World Cup finals from 1990 to 1998 and one only of three games they have lost in regualar time since 1988 in either a Euro or World Cup (losing 2-1 to Czech Republic in the first round of Euro 1996 is the second one, with the 3-0 defeat to Holland in the Euro 2008 opener now the third). The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in international football. The Czech national football team is the national football team of the Czech Republic controlled by the Football Association of the Czech Republic. After a gritty 1-0 win against Norway and a 1-1 draw with Mexico, Italy advanced from Group E based on goals scored among the four teams tied on points. The Norwegian national football team, controlled by the Norwegian Football Association, is the national football team of Norway. The Mexican national football team is controlled by the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol and represents Mexico in international football competition The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in the United States from June 17 to July 17 1994 In the Round of 16, Italy was down 0-1 late against Nigeria, but Roberto Baggio came to the rescue with a splended equaliser in the 88th minute and a penalty in extra time to snatch the win. The Nigeria national football team, nicknamed the Super Eagles, is the national team of Nigeria and is controlled by the Nigeria Football Federation ^[9] Baggio scored another late goal against Spain in the quarter-final to seal a 2-1 win and two beautifully taken goals against Bulgaria in the semi-final for another 2-1 win. The Spanish National Football Team, commonly referred to as La Selección, is the national football team of Spain and is controlled by the es [[Spanish The Bulgaria national football team is the national football team of Bulgaria and is controlled by the Bulgarian Football Union. ^[10]^[11] In the final, Italy and Brazil played 120 minutes of scoreless football, taking the match to penalty shootout. The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF that represents Brazil in international Penalty shootouts, properly named kicks from the penalty mark, are a method sometimes used to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament (or wins the tournament Italy lost the subsequent shootout 3-2 after Baggio missed the final penalty kick of the match, shooting over the crossbar. ^[12]

Italy did not progress beyond the group stage at the finals of Euro 96. The 1996 UEFA European Football Championship ( Euro 96) was hosted by England. Gianfranco Zola failed to convert a decisive penalty against Germany, who eventually won the tournament. Gianfranco Zola OBE (born July 5, 1966 in Oliena, Sardinia) is a retired Italian footballer Then, during the qualifying campaign for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the Azzurri beat England at Wembley for the second time with Zola scoring the only goal. The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th staging of the World Cup was held in France from June 10 to July 12 after 60 years to celebrate the third edition scheduled The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football original Wembley Stadium was a football Stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the In the final tournament, Italy found themselves in another critical shootout for the third World Cup in a row. The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th staging of the World Cup was held in France from June 10 to July 12 after 60 years to celebrate the third edition scheduled The Italian side, where Del Piero and Baggio renewed the controversial staffetta (relay) between Mazzola and Rivera from 1970, held the eventual World Champions and host team France to a 0-0 draw after extra time in the quarterfinals, but lost 4-3 in the shootout. Alessandro Del Piero, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born November 9 1974 in Conegliano Veneto) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer The French national football team represents the nation of France in international football. With two goals scored in this tournament, Roberto Baggio is still the only Italian player to have scored in three different FIFA World Cup editions. Roberto Baggio (born 18 February 1967 in Caldogno, Veneto) is a retired Italian footballer among the most technically gifted The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international Association football

In the Euro 2000, another shootout was this time to favour Italy, in the semifinal against the co-hosts the Netherlands. The 2000 UEFA European Football Championship, or Euro 2000, was the 11th UEFA European Football Championship, which is held every four years and organized by The Netherlands national football team is the national football team of the Netherlands and is controlled by the Royal Netherlands Football Association Italian goalkeeper Francesco Toldo saved one penalty during the match and two in the shootout, while the Dutch players missed one other penalty during the match and one during the shootout with a rate of one penalty scored out of six attempts. Francesco Toldo (born December 2, 1971 in Padua) is an Italian football Goalkeeper, who currently plays for Inter Emerging star Francesco Totti scored his penalty with a very brave cucchiaio (spoon) chip. Francesco Totti, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born September 27 1976 in Rome) is a World Cup -winning footballer who plays for Italian Francesco Totti, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born September 27 1976 in Rome) is a World Cup -winning footballer who plays for Italian Italy finished the tournament as runners-up, unluckily losing the final 2–1 against France (to a golden goal in extra time) after conceding les Bleus' equalizing goal just 30 seconds before the expected end of injury time (94'). The golden goal is a method used to decide the winner of games in elimination matches which end in a draw after the end of regulation time After the defeat, coach Dino Zoff resigned in protest after being criticized by A.C. Milan president and politician Silvio Berlusconi. Dino Zoff (born February 28, 1942 in Mariano del Friuli) is an Italian former football Goalkeeper and is the oldest winner Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy (born 29 September 1936 is an Italian politician, Entrepreneur, Real estate and Insurance Tycoon, Bank and Media proprietor

In the 2002 World Cup, Italy again had a difficult time. The 2002 FIFA World Cup, the 17th staging of the World Cup, was held in South Korea and Japan from May 31 to June 30. A comfortable 2-0 victory against Ecuador with two Christian Vieri goals was followed by a 2-1 defeat to Croatia, a match in which Italy had two goals bizarrely disallowed. The Ecuador national football team is the national team of Ecuador and is governed by the Federación Ecuatoriana de Fútbol. Vieri redirects here For other uses of Vieri see Vieri (disambiguation Christian Vieri (born July 12, 1973 in The Croatian national football team ( Croatian pronunciation: Hrvatska nogometna reprezentacija) is the national side representing Croatia A 1-1 draw with Mexico thanks to a goal from Alessandro Del Piero proved enough to advance to the knockout stages. The Mexican national football team is controlled by the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol and represents Mexico in international football competition Alessandro Del Piero, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born November 9 1974 in Conegliano Veneto) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer However, co-host country South Korea knocked out Italy in the Round of 16, reviving the 1966 nightmare. The Korea Republic national football team represents the Republic of Korea in international football competitions The match was marked by controversy, as Ecuadorean referee Byron Moreno gave Francesco Totti a second yellow card in extra time for an alleged dive, and disallowed a goal in extra time by Damiano Tommasi. Byron Aldemar Moreno Ruales (born November 23, 1969 in Quito) is a former Ecuadorian football referee, best known for officiating Francesco Totti, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born September 27 1976 in Rome) is a World Cup -winning footballer who plays for Italian Damiano Tommasi (born May 17, 1974 in Negrar, Province of Verona) is an Italian football player who currently plays for Replays seemed to indicate both that the card was unfounded and the goal was good, but the decisions stood and South Korea won 2-1, again with a golden goal in extra time. ^[13] Subsequent comments by Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni and some other public figures in Italy ^[14], coupled with more bad refereeing decisions in South Korea's subsequent quarterfinal against Spain (in which two Spanish goals were mysteriously disallowed) led to a conspiracy theory that South Korea were being unfairly favoured by officials. Giovanni Trapattoni (born March 17, 1939 in Cusano Milanino, Province of Milan) is an Italian football coach considered The Spanish National Football Team, commonly referred to as La Selección, is the national football team of Spain and is controlled by the es [[Spanish Even Sepp Blatter, FIFA president, recognized that several wrong or controversial decisions against the Azzurri had taken place during the course of the tournament, including Totti's yellow card, even though he rejected any conspiracy against the Italian team and indicated that inadequate refereeing standards were to blame. Sepp Blatter (born March 10, 1936 in Visp, Valais, Switzerland) is the 8th and current President of FIFA. ^[15]. Referee Byron Moreno was suspended and removed by his federation a few years later, due to similar unfair decisions in other local matches. </ref>.

A three-way tie in the group stage of the 2004 European Championship left Italy as the "odd man out", and they failed to qualify for the quarterfinals after finishing behind Denmark and Sweden on the basis of number of goals scored in matches among the tied teams. The 2004 UEFA European Football Championship (or just Euro 2004) was the twelfth edition of the UEFA European Football Championship, a quadrennial football The Denmark national football team is controlled by the Danish Football Association and has represented the country of Denmark in international football The Swedish national football team is the national football team of Sweden and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association. ^[16] The winning goal scored during stoppage time against Bulgaria by Antonio Cassano resulted useless, leaving the Italian striker in tears at the end of the game. Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered The Bulgaria national football team is the national football team of Bulgaria and is controlled by the Bulgarian Football Union. Antonio Cassano (born July 12, 1982 in Bari) is an Italian footballer currently playing for Italian Serie A club U

2006 World Cup: Champions for the fourth time

Italy's campaign in the 2006 World Cup hosted by Germany was accompanied by open pessimism^[17] due to the controversy caused by the 2006 Serie A scandal. The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th instance of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament The 2006 Italian football scandal (Italian more common names Calciopoli or Moggiopoli, sometimes referred to as Calciocaos) involved Italy 's These negative predictions were then refuted, as Azzurri eventually won their fourth World Cup. The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international Association football

Italy won their opening game against Ghana 2-0, with goals from Andrea Pirlo (40') and substitute Vincenzo Iaquinta (83'). The Ghana national football team, popularly known as the Black Stars, is the national Association football team of Ghana and is controlled by the Andrea Pirlo, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born May 19, 1979 in Flero, Lombardy) is an Italian World Cup and Champions Vincenzo Iaquinta, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born November 21, 1979 in Cutro, Crotone) is an Italian World Cup The team performance was judged the best among the opening games by FIFA president Sepp Blatter^[18]. Sepp Blatter (born March 10, 1936 in Visp, Valais, Switzerland) is the 8th and current President of FIFA.

The second match was a less convincing 1-1 draw with USA, with Alberto Gilardino's diving header equalized by a Cristian Zaccardo own goal. The United States men's national soccer team is the national Soccer team of the United States for men and is controlled by the United States Soccer Alberto Gilardino, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born July 5 1982 in Biella, Piedmont) is a World Cup -winning footballer who plays as Cristian Zaccardo, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born December 21, 1981 in Formigine, Modena) is an Italian World An own goal occurs in Association football and other goal-scoring games when a player scores a goal that is registered against his or her own team After the equalizer, midfielder Daniele De Rossi and the USA's Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope were sent off, leaving only nineteen men on the field for nearly the entirety of the second half, but the score remained unchanged despite a controversial decision when Gennaro Gattuso's shot was deflected in but disallowed because of an offside. Daniele De Rossi, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, ( July 24, 1983) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer, who plays for Gennaro Ivan "Rino" Gattuso, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born January 9 1978 in Corigliano Calabro) is an Italian World The same happened for the U. S. when Demarcus Beasley's goal was called offside. De Rossi was suspended for four matches for elbowing American player Brian McBride and could only return for the final match. Brian McBride (born June 19, 1972) is an American soccer Striker who has appeared in three World Cups for the United

Italy finished first in Group E with a 2-0 win against the Czech Republic, with goals from defender Marco Materazzi (26') and striker Filippo Inzaghi (87'), advancing to the Round of 16 in the knockout stages, where they faced Australia. The Czech national football team is the national football team of the Czech Republic controlled by the Football Association of the Czech Republic. Marco Materazzi, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born August 19, 1973 in Lecce) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th instance of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th instance of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament The Australian national football team represents Australia in international association football competitions In this match, Materazzi was controversially sent off early in the second half (53') after a two footed tackle on Australian midfielder Marco Bresciano. The 2006 FIFA World Cup generated various controversies, including onfield disputes critiques of official decisions and team salary issues Mark "Marco" Bresciano (born on 11 February 1980 in Melbourne) is an Australian In stoppage time a penalty kick was awarded to the Italians after Fabio Grosso went to ground after making contact with Australian defender Lucas Neill who was laying on the ground. Fabio Grosso, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born November 28, 1977) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer, who plays Lucas Edward Neill (born June 30, 1978 in Sydney, Australia) is an Australian Football (soccer player who is the captain of Francesco Totti converted it for a 1-0 win.

In the quarterfinals Italy beat Ukraine 3-0. The Ukraine national football team is the national football team of Ukraine and is controlled by the Football Federation of Ukraine. Gianluca Zambrotta opened the scoring early (6') with a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area and Luca Toni added two more goals (59' and 69'). Gianluca Zambrotta, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born February 19, 1977 in Como, Lombardy, Italy) is an Italian Luca Toni Varchetta Delle Cave, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born May 26, 1977 in Pavullo nel Frignano, Modena) is an Italian Manager Marcello Lippi dedicated the victory to former Italian international Gianluca Pessotto, who was in the hospital recovering from an apparent suicide attempt. Marcello Romeo Lippi, Commendatore OMRI, (born April 12, 1948) is an Italian World Cup -winning football manager and former Gianluca Pessotto (born August 11, 1970) is an Italian former footballer who played with Juventus for the majority of his career ^[19]

In the semi-final, Italy beat host country Germany 2-0 with the two goals coming in the last two minutes of extra time. The German national football team (Die deutsche Fußballnationalmannschaft From 1950 to 1990 the team was also informally called West Germany in English as since After an exciting half hour of extra time during which Gilardino and Zambrotta struck the post and the crossbar respectively, Grosso scored in the 119th minute after a disguised Pirlo pass found him open in the penalty area for a bending left-footed shot into the far corner past German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann's dive. Alberto Gilardino, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born July 5 1982 in Biella, Piedmont) is a World Cup -winning footballer who plays as Gianluca Zambrotta, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born February 19, 1977 in Como, Lombardy, Italy) is an Italian Fabio Grosso, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born November 28, 1977) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer, who plays Andrea Pirlo, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born May 19, 1979 in Flero, Lombardy) is an Italian World Cup and Champions Jens Lehmann (German jɛns ˈleːman born November 10, 1969 in Essen) is a German football goalkeeper who currently Substitute striker Alessandro Del Piero then sealed the victory by scoring with the last kick of the game at the end of a swift counterattack. Alessandro Del Piero, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born November 9 1974 in Conegliano Veneto) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer

Within the crowd in the Circus Maximus in Rome, after the Italian team scored against France

The Azzurri won their fourth World Cup, defeating France in Berlin, on July 9, 5-3 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw at the end of extra time. The Circus Maximus ( Latin for greatest circus, in Italian Circo Massimo) is an ancient Hippodrome and mass entertainment Rome ( Roma ˈroma Roma is the capital city of Italy and Lazio, and is Italy's largest and most populous city with more than 2 The French national football team represents the nation of France in international football. Berlin is the capital city and one of sixteen states of Germany. Events 455 - Roman military commander Avitus is proclaimed Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. French captain Zinedine Zidane opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a chipped penalty kick, controversially awarded for a foul by Materazzi. Twelve minutes later, a powerful header by Materazzi from a corner kick by Pirlo brought Italy even. In the second half, a goal by Toni was disallowed for a very close offside call. At 110', Zidane was sent off after a head butt, after a verbal exchange with Materazzi; the two players were eventually fined by FIFA for this incident. Italy then won the penalty shoot-out 5-3, the crucial penalty being David Trézéguet's attempt that hit the crossbar and stayed out. David Sergio Trezeguet (david sɛʀʒjo tʀezeˈgɛ (born 15 October, 1977 in Rouen, France) is a French football Striker Italy scored all five attempts in a shootout for the first time ever (Pirlo, Materazzi, De Rossi, Del Piero and Grosso).

Ten different players scored for Italy and five goals out of twelve were scored by substitutes, while four goals were scored by defenders. Seven players - Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso, Totti and Toni - were named to the 23-man tournament All Star Team. Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon, Cavaliere OMRI is an Italian FIFA World Cup -winning Goalkeeper who currently plays for Italian Serie Fabio Cannavaro, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born September 13, 1973 in Naples) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer Gianluca Zambrotta, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born February 19, 1977 in Como, Lombardy, Italy) is an Italian Andrea Pirlo, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born May 19, 1979 in Flero, Lombardy) is an Italian World Cup and Champions Gennaro Ivan "Rino" Gattuso, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born January 9 1978 in Corigliano Calabro) is an Italian World Francesco Totti, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born September 27 1976 in Rome) is a World Cup -winning footballer who plays for Italian Luca Toni Varchetta Delle Cave, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born May 26, 1977 in Pavullo nel Frignano, Modena) is an Italian At the end of each FIFA World Cup final tournament several awards are attributed to the players and teams which have distinguished from the rest in different aspects of the game ^[20] Buffon also won the Lev Yashin Award, given to the best goalkeeper of the tournament; he conceded only two goals in the tournament, the first an own goal by Zaccardo and the second from Zidane's penalty kick, and remained unbeaten for 460 consecutive minutes. At the end of each FIFA World Cup final tournament several awards are attributed to the players and teams which have distinguished from the rest in different aspects of the game ^[21]

After the World Cup

Days after the Italian triumph in the World Cup, Lippi announced his resignation. ^[22]1994 World Cup star Roberto Donadoni was announced the new coach of the Azzurri on July 13. Roberto Donadoni (born September 9, 1963 in Cisano Bergamasco, Province of Bergamo, Lombardy) is an Italian football Events 1174 - William I of Scotland, a key rebel in the Revolt of 1173-1174, is captured at Alnwick by forces loyal to Italy played in the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship qualifying Group B, along with France. Standings and results for Group B of the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying tournament The French national football team represents the nation of France in international football. Italy won the group, with France being the runner-up. ^[23] On February 14, 2007, FIFA ranked Italy 1st in the FIFA World Rankings, with a total of 1488 points, 37 points ahead of second ranked Argentina. Events 842 - Charles the Bald and Louis the German swear the Oaths of Strasbourg in the French and German Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (French for International Federation of Association Football) History FIFA World Ranking Leaders In December 1992 FIFA first published This moved them up one from their previous rank, 2nd. The Azzurri had not received such an honour since 1993. ^[24]

Tournament records

World Cup record

Year	Round	Position	GP	W	D*	L	GS	GA
1930	Did Not Enter	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
1934	Champions	1	5	4	1	0	12	3
1938	Champions	1	4	4	0	0	11	5
1950	Round 1	7	2	1	0	1	4	3
1954	Round 1	10	3	1	0	2	6	7
1958	Did Not Qualify	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
1962	Round 1	9	3	1	1	1	3	2
1966	Round 1	9	3	1	0	2	2	2
1970	Runners-Up	2	6	3	2	1	10	8
1974	Round 1	10	3	1	1	1	5	4
1978	Fourth Place	4	7	4	1	2	9	6
1982	Champions	1	7	4	3	0	12	6
1986	Round 2	12	4	1	2	1	5	6
1990	Third Place	3	7	6	1	0	10	2
1994	Runners-Up	2	7	4	2	1	8	5
1998	Quarter-Finals	5	5	3	2	0	8	3
2002	Round 2	15	4	1	1	2	5	5
2006	Champions	1	7	5	2	0	12	2
Total	16/18	4 Titles	77	44	19	14	122	69

*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks. The 1930 FIFA World Cup was the first FIFA World Cup, the world championship for international football teams The 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second World Cup staged and was hosted in Italy from 27 May to 10 June The 1938 FIFA World Cup was the third staging of the World Cup and was held in France from June 4 to June 19. The 1950 FIFA World Cup, held in Brazil from June 24 to July 16, was the fourth staging of the World Cup and the first staged in 12 years due to World The 1954 FIFA World Cup, the fifth staging of the World Cup was held in Switzerland from June 16 to July 4. The 1958 FIFA World Cup, the sixth staging of the World Cup was hosted by Sweden from June 8 to June 29. The 1962 FIFA World Cup, the seventh staging of the World Cup was held in Chile from May 30 to June 17. The 1966 FIFA World Cup, the eighth staging of the World Cup was held in England from 11 July to 30 July The 1970 FIFA World Cup, the ninth staging of the World Cup was held in Mexico, from May 31 to June 21. The 1974 FIFA World Cup, the tenth staging of the World Cup was held in West Germany from June 13 to July 7. The 1978 FIFA World Cup, the 11th staging of the World Cup was held in Argentina between June 1 and June 25. The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th staging of the World Cup was held in Spain from June 13 to July 11. The 1986 FIFA World Cup, the 13th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in Mexico from May 31 to June 29. The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in the United States from June 17 to July 17 1994 The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th staging of the World Cup was held in France from June 10 to July 12 after 60 years to celebrate the third edition scheduled The 2002 FIFA World Cup, the 17th staging of the World Cup, was held in South Korea and Japan from May 31 to June 30. The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th instance of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament Penalty shootouts, properly named kicks from the penalty mark, are a method sometimes used to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament (or wins the tournament

**Gold background color indicates that the tournament was won. Red border color indicates tournament was held on home soil.

European Championship record

Year	Round	Position	GP	W	D*	L	GS	GA
1960	Did not Enter	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
1964	Did not Qualify	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
1968	Champions	1	3	1	2	0	3	1
1972	Did not Qualify	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
1976	Did not Qualify	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
1980	Fourth place	4	4	1	3	0	2	1
1984	Did not Qualify	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
1988	Semi-final	4	4	2	1	1	4	3
1992	Did not Qualify	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
1996	Round 1	10	3	1	1	1	3	3
2000	Runners-up	2	6	4	1	1	9	4
2004	Round 1	9	3	1	2	0	3	2
2008	Qualified	?	1	0	0	1	0	3
2012		-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Total	7/13	1 title	23	10	10	3	24	14

*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks. The 1960 UEFA European Nations Cup was the first European Football Championship, held every four years and endorsed by UEFA. The 1964 UEFA European Nations Cup was the second edition of the quadrennial European Football Championship, endorsed by UEFA. The 1968 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in Italy. The 1972 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in Belgium. The 1976 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in Yugoslavia. The 1980 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in Italy. The 1984 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in France. The 1988 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in West Germany. The 1992 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was hosted by Sweden. The 1996 UEFA European Football Championship ( Euro 96) was hosted by England. The 2000 UEFA European Football Championship, or Euro 2000, was the 11th UEFA European Football Championship, which is held every four years and organized by The 2004 UEFA European Football Championship (or just Euro 2004) was the twelfth edition of the UEFA European Football Championship, a quadrennial football The 2008 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 2008, was the 13th UEFA European Football Championship, a quadrennial football The 2012 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 2012, will be the 14th European Championship for national football teams Penalty shootouts, properly named kicks from the penalty mark, are a method sometimes used to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament (or wins the tournament

**Gold background color indicates that the tournament was won. Red border color indicates tournament was held on home soil.

Honours

This is a list of honours for all of the senior Italian national teams, including Olympic and Military teams

FIFA World Cup

Winner (4): 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006
Runner-up (2): 1970, 1994
Third Place (1): 1990
Fourth Place (1): 1978

UEFA European Championship

Winner (1): 1968
Runner-up (1): 2000
Fourth Place (2): 1980, 1988

Football at the Summer Olympics

Gold medal (1): 1936
Bronze Medal (2): 1928, 2004

Central European Champions

Winner (2): 1927-30; 1933-35
Runner-up (1): 1931 - 1932

World Military Cup

Winner (8): 1950, 1951, 1956, 1959, 1973, 1987, 1989, 1991
Runner-up (4): 1955, 1972, 1979, 1997
Third Place (3): 2003, 1977, 1957

Laureus World Sports Award for Team of the Year: 2007

Coaches

During the earliest days of Italian nation football, it was common for a Technical Commission to be appointed. The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international Association football The 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second World Cup staged and was hosted in Italy from 27 May to 10 June The 1938 FIFA World Cup was the third staging of the World Cup and was held in France from June 4 to June 19. The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th staging of the World Cup was held in Spain from June 13 to July 11. The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th instance of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament The 1970 FIFA World Cup, the ninth staging of the World Cup was held in Mexico, from May 31 to June 21. The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in the United States from June 17 to July 17 1994 The 1978 FIFA World Cup, the 11th staging of the World Cup was held in Argentina between June 1 and June 25. The UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA (the Union of European The 1968 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in Italy. The 2000 UEFA European Football Championship, or Euro 2000, was the 11th UEFA European Football Championship, which is held every four years and organized by The 1980 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in Italy. The 1988 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in West Germany. Association football, usually known simply as football or soccer has been included in every Olympiad except 1896 and 1932 as a men's competition sport The 1936 Olympic football tournament, won by Italy, has obviously come to share an affinity with the political backdrop against which it was being played in terms Football at the 1928 Summer Olympics tournament won with difficulty by Uruguay from their bitter rivals Argentina would be the precursor to the first FIFA World The football tournament at the 2004 Summer Olympics started on August 11, (two days before the opening ceremony and ended The Central European International Cup was an international football competition played for by national teams from Central Europe between 1927 and 1960 The World Military Cup is a football competition for national military teams List of winners and nominees of the Laureus World Sports Awards: Team of the Year. The Commission took the role that a standard coach would currently play. Since 1967, the national team has been controlled only by coaches.

For this reason, the coach of the Italian national team is still called Technical Commissioner (Commissario tecnico o CT).

Technical Commission (1910–1912)
Vittorio Pozzo (1912)
Technical Commission (1912–1924)
Vittorio Pozzo (1924)
Technical Commission (1924–1925)
Augusto Rangone (1925–1928)
Carlo Carcano (1928–1929)
Vittorio Pozzo (1929–1948) — World Champions 1934, World Champions 1938
Ferruccio Novo (1949–1950) — as Technical Commission Chairman
Technical Commission (1951)
Carlino Beretta (1952–1953)
Technical Commission (1953–1959)
Giuseppe Viani (1960)
Giovanni Ferrari (1960–1961)
Giovanni Ferrari and Paolo Mazza (1962)
Edmondo Fabbri (1962–1966)
Helenio Herrera and Ferruccio Valcareggi (1966–1967)
Ferruccio Valcareggi (1967–1974) — European Champions 1968, Runners-Up World Cup 1970
Fulvio Bernardini (1974–1975)
Enzo Bearzot (1975–1986) — World Champions 1982— 4th Place World Cup 1978
Azeglio Vicini (1986–1991) — 3rd Place World Cup 1990
Arrigo Sacchi (1991–1996) — Runners-Up World Cup 1994
Cesare Maldini (1997–1998)
Dino Zoff (1998–2000) — Runners-Up European Championships 2000
Giovanni Trapattoni (2000–2004)
Marcello Lippi (2004–2006) — World Champions 2006
Roberto Donadoni (2006-current)

2010 FIFA World Cup qualification

Team	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
Italy	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Bulgaria	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Republic of Ireland	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Cyprus	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Georgia	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Montenegro	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0


–	1 Apr '09	14 Oct '09	11 Oct '08	5 Sep '09	6 Jun '09
10 Oct '09	–	28 Mar '09	6 Sep '08	6 Jun '09	5 Sep '09
15 Oct '08	11 Oct '08	–	5 Sep '09	1 Apr '09	6 Sep '08
9 Sep '09	14 Oct '09	10 Sep '08	–	15 Oct '08	1 Apr '09
6 Sep '08	9 Sep '09	10 Oct '09	28 Mar '09	–	10 Sep '08
28 Mar '09	15 Oct '08	11 Feb '09	10 Oct '09	14 Oct '09	–

Players

Current squad

The following 23 players named for Euro 2008. Vittorio Pozzo ( March 2 1886 in Turin, Piedmont, Italy &ndash Ponderano ( Biella) December 21 Vittorio Pozzo ( March 2 1886 in Turin, Piedmont, Italy &ndash Ponderano ( Biella) December 21 Carlo Carcano ( 26 February 1891 - 1967 born in Masnago, Province of Varese was an Italian footballer and manager Vittorio Pozzo ( March 2 1886 in Turin, Piedmont, Italy &ndash Ponderano ( Biella) December 21 Ferruccio Novo (June 14 1897 &ndash April 8 1974 was an Italian Football (soccer player coach and club president Giuseppe Viani ( 13 September 1909 Treviso - 6 January 1969 Ferrara) was a Italian football player Giovanni Ferrari ( December 6, 1907 – December 2, 1982) was an Italian Football (soccer player Giovanni Ferrari ( December 6, 1907 – December 2, 1982) was an Italian Football (soccer player Paolo Mazza (1901 – 31 December 1981) was an Italian football manager. Edmondo Fabbri (born 16 November 1921 in Castel Bolognese; died in 1995 in Castel San Pietro Terme) was an Italian Football (soccer Helenio Herrera (17 April 1910 in Buenos Aires – 9 November 1997 in Venice) was a French - Argentine football player and manager Ferruccio Valcareggi ( 12 February 1919 &ndash 2 November 2005) was an Italian football player and coach Ferruccio Valcareggi ( 12 February 1919 &ndash 2 November 2005) was an Italian football player and coach Fulvio Bernardini ( December 28, 1905 &ndash January 13, 1984) was an Italian professional footballer and coach Enzo Bearzot (born 26 September 1927 in Aiello del Friuli) is a former Italian football Azeglio Vicini (born 20 March 1933 in Cesena) is an Italian football coach Arrigo Sacchi (born 1 April 1946 in Fusignano) is an Italian football coach the former head coach of the Italy national football team Cesare Maldini (born February 5, 1932) is an Italian football coach and former player Dino Zoff (born February 28, 1942 in Mariano del Friuli) is an Italian former football Goalkeeper and is the oldest winner Giovanni Trapattoni (born March 17, 1939 in Cusano Milanino, Province of Milan) is an Italian football coach considered Marcello Romeo Lippi, Commendatore OMRI, (born April 12, 1948) is an Italian World Cup -winning football manager and former Roberto Donadoni (born September 9, 1963 in Cisano Bergamasco, Province of Bergamo, Lombardy) is an Italian football In the qualification process for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the six FIFA confederations were allocated a share of the 31 remaining spots on the basis of the strength The Bulgaria national football team is the national football team of Bulgaria and is controlled by the Bulgarian Football Union. The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in international football. The Cyprus national football team is the national football team of the island of Cyprus and is controlled by the Cyprus Football Association. The Georgia national football team is the national football team of Georgia and is controlled by the Georgian Football Federation. The Montenegro national football team represents Montenegro in international football and is controlled by the Football Association of Montenegro, See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World See also 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA The 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group 8 is a UEFA qualifying group for the 2010 FIFA World The 2008 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 2008, was the 13th UEFA European Football Championship, a quadrennial football

Caps and goals as of June 9, 2008. Events 53 - Roman Emperor Nero marries Claudia Octavia 62 - Claudia Octavia commits 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common

Number	Name	DOB	Club	Caps (goals)	Debut
Golkeepers
1	Gianluigi Buffon	January 28, 1978 (age 30)	Juventus	83 (0)	v Russia, 29 October 1997
14	Marco Amelia	April 2, 1982 (age 26)	Palermo	6 (0)	v Ivory Coast, 16 November 2005
17	Morgan De Sanctis	March 26, 1977 (age 31)	Sevilla	2 (0)	v Iceland, 30 March 2005
Defenders
2	Christian Panucci	April 12, 1973 (age 35)	Roma	54 (3)	v Slovenia, 7 September 1994
3	Fabio Grosso	November 28, 1977 (age 30)	Lyon	32 (3)	v Switzerland, 30 April 2003
4	Giorgio Chiellini	August 14, 1984 (age 23)	Juventus	10 (1)	v Finland, 17 November 2004
5	Alessandro Gamberini	August 27, 1981 (age 26)	Fiorentina	2 (0)	v South Africa, 17 October 2007
6	Andrea Barzagli	May 8, 1981 (age 27)	Wolfsburg	23 (0)	v Finland, 17 November 2004
19	Gianluca Zambrotta	February 19, 1977 (age 31)	Milan	72 (2)	v Norway, 10 February 1999
23	Marco Materazzi	August 19, 1973 (age 34)	Inter	41 (2)	v South Africa, 25 April 2001
Midfielders
8	Gennaro Gattuso	January 9, 1978 (age 30)	Milan	59 (1)	v Sweden, 23 February 2000
10	Daniele De Rossi	July 24, 1983 (age 24)	Roma	33 (4)	v Norway, 4 September 2004
13	Massimo Ambrosini	May 29, 1977 (age 31)	Milan	32 (0)	v Croatia, 28 April 1999
16	Mauro Camoranesi	October 4, 1976 (age 31)	Juventus	36 (4)	v Portugal, 12 February 2003
20	Simone Perrotta	September 17, 1977 (age 30)	Roma	41 (2)	v Turkey, 20 November 2002
21	Andrea Pirlo	May 19, 1979 (age 29)	Milan	47 (6)	v Azerbaijan, 7 September 2002
22	Alberto Aquilani	July 7, 1984 (age 23)	Roma	5 (0)	v Turkey, 15 November 2006
Strikers
7	Alessandro Del Piero	November 9, 1974 (age 33)	Juventus	87 (27)	v Estonia, 25 March 1995
9	Luca Toni	May 26, 1977 (age 31)	Bayern Munich	35 (15)	v Iceland, 18 August 2004
11	Antonio Di Natale	October 13, 1977 (age 30)	Udinese	19 (7)	v Turkey, 20 November 2002
12	Marco Borriello	June 18, 1982 (age 26)	Milan	3 (0)	v Portugal, 6 February 2008
15	Fabio Quagliarella	January 31, 1983 (age 25)	Udinese	8 (3)	v Scotland, 29 March 2007
18	Antonio Cassano	July 12, 1982 (age 25)	Sampdoria	12 (3)	v Poland, 12 November 2003

Recent call-up

The following players have all been called up to the Italy squad during the past season. Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon, Cavaliere OMRI is an Italian FIFA World Cup -winning Goalkeeper who currently plays for Italian Serie Events 1077 - Walk to Canossa: The Excommunication of Henry IV Holy Roman Emperor is lifted Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) The Russia national football team (Сборная России по футболу is the national football team of Russia controlled by the Football Union of Events 437 - Valentinian III, Western Roman Emperor, marries Licinia Eudoxia, daughter of his cousin Theodosius II Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar Marco Amelia, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born April 2 1982 in Frascati, Rome) is a World Cup -winning football Goalkeeper Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) Unione Sportiva Città di Palermo is an Italian football club from Palermo, Sicily which currently plays in Serie A, the top level of Italian The Côte d'Ivoire national football team (sometimes written " Ivory Coast " in English nicknamed Les Éléphants (The Elephants, is the national team of Events 534 - A second and final revision of the Codex Justinianus is published Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Morgan De Sanctis (born March 26, 1977 in Guardiagrele, Chieti ( Abruzzo) is an Italian football goalkeeper Events 1026 - Pope John XIX crowns Conrad II as Holy Roman Emperor. Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays Sevilla Fútbol Club is a Spanish professional football club that plays in the top-flight Spanish La Liga championship The Iceland national football team is the national football team of Iceland and is controlled by the Football Association of Iceland. Events 240 BC - 1st recorded Perihelion passage of Halley's Comet. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Christian Panucci (born April 12 1973 in Savona) is an Italian football player who currently plays for AS Roma of Events 467 - Anthemius is elevated to Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Year 1973 ( MCMLXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. Associazione Sportiva Roma, ( commonly referred to as simply Roma, is an Italian professional football club from Rome, and are currently amongst The Slovenia national football team is the national football team of Slovenia and is controlled by the Football Association of Slovenia. Events 1251 BC - A Solar eclipse on this date might mark the birth of legendary Heracles at Thebes Greece. Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) Fabio Grosso, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born November 28, 1977) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer, who plays For the town in Argentina, see 28 de Noviembre. Events Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays Olympique Lyonnais (popularly known as OL, or simply Lyon) is a French football club based in Lyon. The Swiss national football team (also known as the Schweizer Nati in German La Nati in French is the national football team of Switzerland Events 313 - Roman emperor Licinius unifies the entire Eastern Roman Empire under his rule Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Giorgio Chiellini (born August 14 1984 in Pisa) is an Italian footballer who currently plays for Juventus of the Italian Events 1183 - Taira no Munemori and the Taira clan take the young Emperor Antoku and the three sacred treasures Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) The Finland national football team represents Finland in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Association of Finland. Events 284 - Diocletian is proclaimed emperor by his soldiers "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Alessandro Gamberini (born August 27, 1981 in Bologna) is an Italian footballer for ACF Fiorentina of Serie A Events 479 BC - Greco-Persian Wars: Persian forces led by Mardonius are routed by Pausanias, the Spartan Year 1981 ( MCMLXXXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 ACF Fiorentina, commonly referred to as simply Fiorentina, is a professional Italian football club from Florence, Tuscany. The South Africa national football team or Bafana Bafana' (The Boys is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Andrea Barzagli, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born May 8, 1981 in Fiesole) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 1981 ( MCMLXXXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 VfL Wolfsburg is a German sports club based in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, that currently plays in the country's first division Bundesliga. The Finland national football team represents Finland in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Association of Finland. Events 284 - Diocletian is proclaimed emperor by his soldiers "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Gianluca Zambrotta, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born February 19, 1977 in Como, Lombardy, Italy) is an Italian Events 197 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus defeats usurper Clodius Albinus in the Battle of Lugdunum Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy The Norwegian national football team, controlled by the Norwegian Football Association, is the national football team of Norway. Events 1355 - The St Scholastica's Day riot breaks out in Oxford, England, leaving 63 scholars and perhaps 30 locals dead Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Marco Materazzi, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born August 19, 1973 in Lecce) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer Events 43 BC - Octavian, later known as Augustus compels the Roman Senate to elect him Consul. Year 1973 ( MCMLXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. Football Club Internazionale Milano, most commonly referred to as simply Internazionale, or Inter, is an Italian professional football club The South Africa national football team or Bafana Bafana' (The Boys is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Events 1607 - Eighty Years' War: The Dutch fleet destroys the anchored Spanish fleet at Gibraltar. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Gennaro Ivan "Rino" Gattuso, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born January 9 1978 in Corigliano Calabro) is an Italian World Events 475 - Byzantine Emperor Zeno is forced to flee his capital at Constantinople. Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy The Swedish national football team is the national football team of Sweden and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association. Events 1455 - Traditional date for the publication of the Gutenberg Bible, the first Western Book printed from Movable 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Daniele De Rossi, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, ( July 24, 1983) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer, who plays for Events 1132 - Battle of Nocera between Ranulf II of Alife and Roger II of Sicily. Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) Associazione Sportiva Roma, ( commonly referred to as simply Roma, is an Italian professional football club from Rome, and are currently amongst The Norwegian national football team, controlled by the Norwegian Football Association, is the national football team of Norway. Events 476 - Romulus Augustus, last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, is deposed when Odoacer proclaims himself "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Massimo Ambrosini (born May 29, 1977 in Pesaro) is an Italian footballer who plays for A Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy The Croatian national football team ( Croatian pronunciation: Hrvatska nogometna reprezentacija) is the national side representing Croatia Events 1192 - Assassination of Conrad of Montferrat (Conrad I King of Jerusalem, in Tyre, two days after his title Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Mauro Germán Camoranesi Serra, Cavaliere OMRI, (born October 4, 1976 in Tandil, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) is an Events 610 - Heraclius arrives by ship from Africa at Constantinople, overthrows Byzantine Emperor Phocas Year 1976 ( MCMLXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Portugal national football team is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF finishing 4th at the last World Cup. Events 1429 - English Forces under Sir John Fastolf defend a supply convoy carrying rations to the army besieging Orleans from attack by the Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Simone Perrotta, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born September 17, 1977 in Ashton-under-Lyne, England) is an Italian Events 1176 - The Battle of Myriokephalon is fought 1462 - The Battle of Świecino (or Battle of Żarnowiec Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays Associazione Sportiva Roma, ( commonly referred to as simply Roma, is an Italian professional football club from Rome, and are currently amongst The Turkish national football team is the national football team of the Republic of Turkey and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation. Events 284 - Diocletian was chosen as Roman Emperor. 762 - Bögü Khan of the Uyghurs, See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Andrea Pirlo, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born May 19, 1979 in Flero, Lombardy) is an Italian World Cup and Champions Events 1535 - French explorer Jacques Cartier sets sail on his second voyage to North America with three ships 110 men and Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy The Azerbaijan national football team is the national football team of Azerbaijan and is controlled by Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan Events 1251 BC - A Solar eclipse on this date might mark the birth of legendary Heracles at Thebes Greece. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Alberto Aquilani (born July 7, 1984 in Rome) is an Italian football Midfielder who known for his passing ability Events 1456 - A retrial verdict acquits Joan of Arc of heresy 25 years after her death Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Associazione Sportiva Roma, ( commonly referred to as simply Roma, is an Italian professional football club from Rome, and are currently amongst The Turkish national football team is the national football team of the Republic of Turkey and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation. Events 655 - Battle of Winwaed: Penda of Mercia is defeated by Oswiu of Northumbria. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Alessandro Del Piero, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born November 9 1974 in Conegliano Veneto) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer Events 694 - Egica, a king of the Visigoths of Hispania, accuses Jews of aiding Muslims sentencing all Year 1974 ( MCMLXXIV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. The Estonia national football team is controlled by the Estonian Football Association. Events 1199 - Richard I is wounded by a crossbow bolt while fighting France which leads to his death on April 6. Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 Luca Toni Varchetta Delle Cave, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born May 26, 1977 in Pavullo nel Frignano, Modena) is an Italian Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays FC Bayern München is a German Sports club based in Munich, Bavaria (München Bayern The Iceland national football team is the national football team of Iceland and is controlled by the Football Association of Iceland. Events 293 BC - The oldest known Roman temple to Venus is founded starting the institution of Vinalia Rustica. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Antonio Di Natale (born 13 October 1977) is an Italian football Striker currently playing for Udinese. Events 54 - Nero ascends to the Roman throne 409 - Vandals and Alans crossed the Pyrenees Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays Udinese Calcio is an Italian football club based in Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, which currently plays in Serie A. The Turkish national football team is the national football team of the Republic of Turkey and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation. Events 284 - Diocletian was chosen as Roman Emperor. 762 - Bögü Khan of the Uyghurs, See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Marco Borriello (born June 18, 1982 in Napoli, Italy) is an Italian footballer who plays as a Striker for Events 618 - Coronation of the Chinese governor Li Yuan as Emperor Gaozu of Tang, the new Emperor of China, initiating three centuries Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy The Portugal national football team is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF finishing 4th at the last World Cup. Events 46 BC - Julius Caesar defeats the combined army of Pompeian followers and Numidians under Metellus Scipio 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Fabio Quagliarella (ˈfaːbjo kwaʎːaˈɾɛlːa (born 31 January 1983 in Castellammare di Stabia, Province of Naples) is an Italian Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) Udinese Calcio is an Italian football club based in Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, which currently plays in Serie A. The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Events 1461 - Wars of the Roses: Battle of Towton - Edward of York defeats Queen Margaret to become King Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Antonio Cassano (born July 12, 1982 in Bari) is an Italian footballer currently playing for Italian Serie A club U Events 1191 - Saladin 's garrison surrenders ending the two-year Siege of Acre. Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) Unione Calcio Sampdoria (commonly nicknamed Blucerchiati, blue-ringed is a football club based in Genoa, Italy. The Poland national football team (Reprezentacja Polski w piłce nożnej is the national football team of Poland, under the auspices of the Polish Events 764 - Tibetan troops occupy Chang'an, the capital of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, for fifteen days Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Bracket shows last call-up time.

Pos.	Player	DoB (Age)	Caps	Goals	Club
GK	Gianluca Curci	12 June 1985	0	0	Roma (Euro 2008 qual. v. In many team Sports a goalkeeper (termed goaltender netminder, goalie, or keeper in some sports Gianluca Curci (born July 12 1985 in Rome) is a Football (soccer Goalkeeper who is currently contracted with Siena Events 1381 - Peasants' Revolt: in England, rebels arrive at Blackheath. Year 1985 ( MCMLXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar) Associazione Sportiva Roma, ( commonly referred to as simply Roma, is an Italian professional football club from Rome, and are currently amongst This page describes the qualifying procedure for the UEFA Euro 2008. Faroe Islands, 21 November 2007)
GK	Christian Abbiati	8 July 1977	4	0	Milan (Euro 2008 qual. v. The Faroe Islands national football team is the national football team of Faroe Islands and is controlled by the Faroe Islands Football Association. Events 164 BC - Judas Maccabaeus, son of Mattathias of the Hasmonean family restores the Temple in Jerusalem. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. In many team Sports a goalkeeper (termed goaltender netminder, goalie, or keeper in some sports Christian Abbiati (born July 8, 1977 in Abbiategrasso, Milan) is an Italian football Goalkeeper who plays for Events 939 - The Major Occultation or Ghaybat el-Kubra of Muhammad al-Mahdi 1099 - First Crusade: 15000 Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy This page describes the qualifying procedure for the UEFA Euro 2008. Ukraine, 12 September 2007)
DF	Massimo Oddo	14 June 1976	34	1	Milan (Friendly match v. The Ukraine national football team is the national football team of Ukraine and is controlled by the Football Federation of Ukraine. Events 1213 - Albigensian Crusade: Simon de Montfort 5th Earl of Leicester, defeats Peter II of Aragon at the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Massimo Oddo, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born June 14, 1976 in Città Sant'Angelo, Pescara) is an Italian World Events 1276 - While taking exile in Fuzhou in southern China, away from the advancing Mongol invaders, the remnants of the Year 1976 ( MCMLXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy Spain, 26 March 2008)
DF	Marco Cassetti	29 May 1977	3	0	Roma (Friendly match v. The Spanish National Football Team, commonly referred to as La Selección, is the national football team of Spain and is controlled by the es [[Spanish Events 1026 - Pope John XIX crowns Conrad II as Holy Roman Emperor. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Marco Cassetti (born May 29, 1977 in Brescia) is an Italian right-sided midfielder, though he sometimes plays as a right-back Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays Associazione Sportiva Roma, ( commonly referred to as simply Roma, is an Italian professional football club from Rome, and are currently amongst Portugal, 6 February 2008)
DF	Cristian Zaccardo	21 December 1981	17	1	Wolfsburg (Friendly match v, S. Africa, 17 October 2007)
DF	Giandomenico Mesto	25 May 1982	3	0	Udinese (Friendly match v. The Portugal national football team is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF finishing 4th at the last World Cup. Events 46 BC - Julius Caesar defeats the combined army of Pompeian followers and Numidians under Metellus Scipio 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Cristian Zaccardo, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born December 21, 1981 in Formigine, Modena) is an Italian World Events 69 - The end of the Year of the four emperors: Following Galba, Otho and Vitellius, Vespasian Year 1981 ( MCMLXXXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 VfL Wolfsburg is a German sports club based in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, that currently plays in the country's first division Bundesliga. The South Africa national football team or Bafana Bafana' (The Boys is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Giandomenico Mesto (born May 25, 1982 in Monopoli) is an Italian footballer currently playing for Genoa of the Italian Serie A Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) Udinese Calcio is an Italian football club based in Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, which currently plays in Serie A. S. Africa, 17 October 2007)
DF	Daniele Bonera	31 May 1981	13	0	Milan (Euro 2008 qual. v. The South Africa national football team or Bafana Bafana' (The Boys is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Daniele Bonera (born May 31, 1981 in Brescia) is an Italian footballer for A Events 1279 BC - Rameses II (The Great (19th dynasty becomes pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. Year 1981 ( MCMLXXXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy This page describes the qualifying procedure for the UEFA Euro 2008. Faroe Islands, 21 November 2007)
DF	Fabio Cannavaro	13 September 1973	116	2	Real Madrid (Euro 2008 squad)
DF	Paolo Cannavaro	26 June 1981	0	0	Napoli (Friendly match v. The Faroe Islands national football team is the national football team of Faroe Islands and is controlled by the Faroe Islands Football Association. Events 164 BC - Judas Maccabaeus, son of Mattathias of the Hasmonean family restores the Temple in Jerusalem. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Fabio Cannavaro, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born September 13, 1973 in Naples) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer Events 509 BC - The Temple of Jupiter on Rome 's Capitoline Hill is dedicated on the ides of September Year 1973 ( MCMLXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. The 2008 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 2008, was the 13th UEFA European Football Championship, a quadrennial football In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Paolo Cannavaro (born 26 June 1981 in Naples) is an Italian footballer. Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian is killed during the retreat from the Sassanid Empire. Year 1981 ( MCMLXXXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli, commonly referred to as simply Napoli or the abbreviation SSC Napoli, is an Italian professional football club based S. Africa, 17 October 2007)
DF	Andrea Dossena	11 September 1981	1	0	Liverpool (Friendly match v. The South Africa national football team or Bafana Bafana' (The Boys is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. In Association football (soccer a defender is a player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring Andrea Dossena (born 11 September, 1981 in Lodi, Italy) is an Italian footballer who plays in the Left back Events 9 - The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest ends 506 - The Bishops of Visigothic Gaul Year 1981 ( MCMLXXXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Liverpool Football Club are an English professional Association football club based in Liverpool England. S. Africa, 17 October 2007)
MF	Angelo Palombo	25 September 1981	4	0	Sampdoria (Friendly match v. The South Africa national football team or Bafana Bafana' (The Boys is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Angelo Palombo (born 25 September 1981, in Ferentino, Province of Frosinone) is an Italian footballer. Events 303 - On a voyage preaching the Gospel, Saint Fermin of Pamplona is beheaded in Amiens, France Year 1981 ( MCMLXXXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Unione Calcio Sampdoria (commonly nicknamed Blucerchiati, blue-ringed is a football club based in Genoa, Italy. S. Africa, 17 October 2007)
MF	Antonio Nocerino	9 April 1985	1	0	Palermo (Friendly match v. The South Africa national football team or Bafana Bafana' (The Boys is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Antonio Nocerino (born April 9, 1985 in Naples) is an Italian Football (soccer Midfielder. Events 193 - Septimius Severus is proclaimed Roman Emperor by the army in Illyricum (in the Balkans) Year 1985 ( MCMLXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar) Unione Sportiva Città di Palermo is an Italian football club from Palermo, Sicily which currently plays in Serie A, the top level of Italian S. Africa, 17 October 2007)
MF	Riccardo Montolivo	18 January 1985	1	0	Fiorentina (Euro 2008 provisional squad)
MF	Pasquale Foggia	3 June 1983	2	0	Cagliari (Friendly match v. The South Africa national football team or Bafana Bafana' (The Boys is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Riccardo Montolivo (born 18 January 1985 in Caravaggio, Bergamo) is an Italian footballer. Events 350 - Generallus Magnentius deposes Roman Emperor Constans and proclaims himself Emperor Year 1985 ( MCMLXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar) ACF Fiorentina, commonly referred to as simply Fiorentina, is a professional Italian football club from Florence, Tuscany. The 2008 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 2008, was the 13th UEFA European Football Championship, a quadrennial football For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Pasquale Foggia (born 3 June 1983 in Naples, Italy) is an Italian footballer. Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman Emperor, entering Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) Cagliari Calcio is an Italian football club based in Cagliari, Sardinia. S. Africa, 17 October 2007)
MF	Stefano Mauri	8 January 1980	6	0	Lazio (Friendly match v. The South Africa national football team or Bafana Bafana' (The Boys is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Stefano Mauri (born 8 January, 1980 in Monza) is an Italian football player playing a Midfielder role for Lazio Events 871 - Battle of Ashdown - Ethelred of Wessex defeats a Danish invasion army Year 1980 ( MCMLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar) Società Sportiva Lazio, ( commonly referred to SS Lazio or simply Lazio, is an Italian professional Sports club most noted for its football S. Africa, 17 October 2007)
MF	Franco Semioli	20 June 1980	3	0	Fiorentina (Friendly match v. The South Africa national football team or Bafana Bafana' (The Boys is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. Franco Semioli (born June 20, 1980 in Ciriè Turin, Italy) is an Italian footballer for ACF Fiorentina of Events 451 - Battle of Chalons: Flavius Aetius ' defeats Attila the Hun. Year 1980 ( MCMLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar) ACF Fiorentina, commonly referred to as simply Fiorentina, is a professional Italian football club from Florence, Tuscany. Portugal, 6 February 2008)
FW	Alessandro Rosina	31 January 1984	1	0	Torino (Friendly match v. The Portugal national football team is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF finishing 4th at the last World Cup. Events 46 BC - Julius Caesar defeats the combined army of Pompeian followers and Numidians under Metellus Scipio 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing Alessandro Rosina (born January 31, 1984 in Belvedere Marittimo, Cosenza) is an Italian footballer, currently playing Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Torino Football Club 1906, commonly referred to as simply Torino, is an Italian professional football club based in Turin, Piedmont S. Africa, 17 October 2007)
FW	Raffaele Palladino	17 April 1984	2	0	Juventus (Friendly match v. The South Africa national football team or Bafana Bafana' (The Boys is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing Raffaele Palladino (born April 17, 1984 in Mugnano, Province of Naples) is an Italian football Striker / Events 69 - After the First Battle of Bedriacum, Vitellius becomes Roman Emperor. Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Portugal, 6 February 2008)
FW	Vincenzo Iaquinta	21 November 1979	23	1	Juventus (Friendly match v. The Portugal national football team is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF finishing 4th at the last World Cup. Events 46 BC - Julius Caesar defeats the combined army of Pompeian followers and Numidians under Metellus Scipio 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing Vincenzo Iaquinta, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born November 21, 1979 in Cutro, Crotone) is an Italian World Cup Events 164 BC - Judas Maccabaeus, son of Mattathias of the Hasmonean family restores the Temple in Jerusalem. Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) Spain, 26 March 2008)
FW	Alberto Gilardino	5 July 1982	25	9	Fiorentina (Euro 2008 qual. v. The Spanish National Football Team, commonly referred to as La Selección, is the national football team of Spain and is controlled by the es [[Spanish Events 1026 - Pope John XIX crowns Conrad II as Holy Roman Emperor. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing Alberto Gilardino, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born July 5 1982 in Biella, Piedmont) is a World Cup -winning footballer who plays as Events 1295 - Scotland and France form an alliance the beginnings of the Auld Alliance, against England. Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) ACF Fiorentina, commonly referred to as simply Fiorentina, is a professional Italian football club from Florence, Tuscany. This page describes the qualifying procedure for the UEFA Euro 2008. Faroe Islands, 21 November 2007)
FW	Cristiano Lucarelli	4 October 1975	6	3	Parma (Euro 2008 qual. v. The Faroe Islands national football team is the national football team of Faroe Islands and is controlled by the Faroe Islands Football Association. Events 164 BC - Judas Maccabaeus, son of Mattathias of the Hasmonean family restores the Temple in Jerusalem. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing Cristiano Lucarelli (born October 4, 1975 in Livorno) is an Italian footballer who plays as forward for Italian Serie B Events 610 - Heraclius arrives by ship from Africa at Constantinople, overthrows Byzantine Emperor Phocas Year 1975 ( MCMLXXV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Parma Football Club (formerly Parma Associazione Calcio) is an Italian football club based in Parma, Emilia-Romagna, team that This page describes the qualifying procedure for the UEFA Euro 2008. Faroe Islands, 21 November 2007)
FW	Filippo Inzaghi	9 August 1973	57	25	Milan (Euro 2008 qual. v. The Faroe Islands national football team is the national football team of Faroe Islands and is controlled by the Faroe Islands Football Association. Events 164 BC - Judas Maccabaeus, son of Mattathias of the Hasmonean family restores the Temple in Jerusalem. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Strikers, also known as forwards and attackers, are the players on a team in Association football (soccer in the row nearest to the opposing Events 48 BC - Caesar's civil war: Battle of Pharsalus - Julius Caesar decisively defeats Pompey at Pharsalus Year 1973 ( MCMLXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy This page describes the qualifying procedure for the UEFA Euro 2008. Ukraine, 12 September 2007)

Previous squads

Notable players

Players are ordered by year of debut with national football team

1915

Luigi Cevenini (MF)

1920

Virginio Rosetta (DF)

1924

Giampiero Combi (GK)
Felice Levratto (FW)

1926

Attilio Ferraris (MF)

1929

Raimundo Orsi (FW)

1930

Giovanni Ferrari (MF)
Giuseppe Meazza (FW)

1932

Luis Monti (MF)

1935

Silvio Piola (FW)

1938

Amedeo Biavati (FW)

1942

Valentino Mazzola (MF)

1947

Giampiero Boniperti (FW)

1949

Amedeo Amadei (FW)

1961

Enrico Albertosi (GK)
Mario Corso (MF)

1962

Gianni Rivera (MF)

1963

Giacinto Facchetti (DF)
Sandro Mazzola (FW)

1964

Armando Picchi (DF)

1965

Luigi Riva (FW)

1967

Roberto Boninsegna (FW)

1968

Dino Zoff (GK)

1971

Romeo Benetti (MF)
Claudio Sala (MF)

1972

1973

Paolo Pulici (FW)

1974

Giancarlo Antognoni (MF)

1975

1976

Marco Tardelli (MF)

1977

Paolo Rossi (FW)

1978

Antonio Cabrini (DF)
Gabriele Oriali (MF)

1979

Fulvio Collovati (DF)

1980

Alessandro Altobelli (FW)
Bruno Conti (MF)

1982

Franco Baresi (DF)
Giuseppe Bergomi (DF)

1986

Roberto Donadoni (MF)
Giuseppe Giannini (MF)

1984

Roberto Mancini (FW)

1985

Gianluca Vialli (FW)

1986

Walter Zenga (GK)

1987

Ciro Ferrara (DF)

1988

Roberto Baggio (MF)
Paolo Maldini (DF)

1990

Salvatore Schillaci (FW)

1991

1994

Christian Panucci (DF)

1995

1996

Alessandro Nesta (DF)

1997

1998

Francesco Totti (FW)
Luigi Di Biagio (MF)

1999

Gianluca Zambrotta (DF)

2000

Gennaro Gattuso (MF)

2001

Marco Materazzi (DF)

2002

Simone Perrotta (MF)
Andrea Pirlo (MF)

2003

2004

Most capped players

As of June 9, 2008, the players with the most caps for Italy are:

#	Name	Career	Caps	Goals
1	Paolo Maldini	1988–2002	126	7
2	Fabio Cannavaro	1997—	116	2
3	Dino Zoff	1968–1983	112	0
4	Giacinto Facchetti	1963–1977	94	3
5	Alessandro Del Piero	1995—	87	27
6	Gianluigi Buffon	1997—	83	0
7	Franco Baresi	1982–1994	81	1
	Giuseppe Bergomi	1982–1998	81	6
	Marco Tardelli	1976–1985	81	6
10	Demetrio Albertini	1991–2002	79	3

Top goalscorers

As of June 9, 2008, the players with the most goals for Italy are:

#	Player	Career	Goals (caps)	Goals per match
1	Luigi Riva	1965–1974	35 (42)	0. The Ukraine national football team is the national football team of Ukraine and is controlled by the Football Federation of Ukraine. Events 1213 - Albigensian Crusade: Simon de Montfort 5th Earl of Leicester, defeats Peter II of Aragon at the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. This article lists the confirmed national football squads for Here are the squads for the 2004 European Football Championship in Portugal, which took place from June 12 to July 4, 2004. Below are the squads for the 2002 FIFA World Cup tournament in South Korea and Japan. Below are the squads for the UEFA Euro 2000 tournament in Belgium and the Netherlands, that took place between 10 June and 2 July, Below are the squads for the 1998 FIFA World Cup tournament in France. Here are the squads for the 1996 European Football Championship tournament in England, that took place between 8 June and 30 June, 1996 Below are the squads for the 1994 FIFA World Cup tournament in the United States. Below are the squads for the 1990 FIFA World Cup tournament in Italy. Here are the squads for the 1988 European Football Championship tournament in West Germany, that took place between 10 June and 25 June, Below are the squads for the 1986 FIFA World Cup tournament in Mexico. Below are the squads for the 1982 FIFA World Cup tournament in Spain. Here are the squads for the 1980 European Football Championship tournament in Italy, that took place between 11 June and 22 June, 1980 Below are the squads for the 1978 FIFA World Cup tournament in Argentina. Below are the squads for the 1974 FIFA World Cup tournament in West Germany. Below are the squads for the 1970 FIFA World Cup tournament in Mexico. Here are the squads for the 1968 European Football Championship tournament in Italy, that took place between 5 June and 10 June, 1968 Below are the squads for the 1966 FIFA World Cup tournament in England. Below are the squads for the 1962 FIFA World Cup tournament in Chile. Below are the squads for the 1954 FIFA World Cup tournament in Switzerland. Below are the squads for the 1950 FIFA World Cup tournament in Brazil. Below are the squads for the 1938 FIFA World Cup tournament in France. Below are the squads for the 1934 FIFA World Cup tournament in Italy. Luigi Cevenini ( March 13, 1895 - 1968 was an Italian football player Virginio "Viri" Rosetta ( February 25, 1902 &mdash March 31, 1975) was an Italian former football player Gianpiero Combi ( November 20, 1902 – August 12, 1956) was one of Italian football 's greatest Goalkeepers Virgilio Felice Levratto ( October 26 1904 &ndash September 18 1968) was an Italian Football (soccer striker and Attilio Ferraris ( March 26, 1904 &ndash May 8, 1947) was an Italian football Midfielder. Raimundo Bibiani "Mumo" Orsi ( December 2, 1901 in Avellaneda &ndash April 6, 1986) was a footballer born in Giovanni Ferrari ( December 6, 1907 – December 2, 1982) was an Italian Football (soccer player Giuseppe "Peppino" Meazza (23 August 1910–21 August 1979 also known as il "Balilla" Peppin and sometimes Pepp was an Italian footballer playing mainly for Luis Felipe Monti ( May 15, 1901 &ndash September 9, 1983) was an Italian - Argentine football player who has Silvio Piola ( September 29, 1913 &ndash October 4, 1996) was an Italian footballer from Robbio Lomellina Amedeo Biavati ( April 4, 1915 &ndash April 22, 1979) was an Italian footballer, who was born in Bologna. Valentino Mazzola ( January 26, 1919 - May 4, 1949) was an Italian footballer and captain of the legendary Grande Torino Giampiero Boniperti (born July 4 1928 in Barengo, Piedmont) is an Italian former football player who played his entire career at Juventus Amedeo Amadei (born July 26 1921 is an Italian former Football (soccer player Enrico "Ricky" Albertosi (born 2 November, 1939) is an Italian former football Goalkeeper who played for the Italian national Mario Corso, nicknamed Mariolino, (born August 25, 1941) is an Italian former football player and coach Giovanni ("Gianni" Rivera (born August 18, 1943 in Alessandria) is a former Italian football player who was awarded Giacinto Facchetti ( 18 July 1942 &ndash 4 September 2006) was an Italian football player Alessandro ("Sandro" Mazzola (born 8 November 1942 is an Italian former football player Armando Picchi ( June 20, 1935 &ndash May 26, 1971) was an Italian football player and coach Luigi Riva (born November 7, 1944) best known as Gigi Riva or by his nickname Rombo di Tuono (Thunder is a former Italian Roberto Boninsegna (born November 13, 1943 in Mantua) is an Italian former football player Dino Zoff (born February 28, 1942 in Mariano del Friuli) is an Italian former football Goalkeeper and is the oldest winner Romeo Benetti (born 20 October 1945 in Albaredo d'Adige) is a former Italian footballer Claudio Sala (born 8 September 1947 in Macherio, Lombardy) is an Italian former football player and current commentator Fabio Capello (born 18 June 1946 in Pieris, San Canzian d'Isonzo, Gorizia) is an Italian football manager and former professional Franco Causio (born on February 1 1949) is an Italian former footballer who played for Juventus for many years in the 1970s and 1980s Giorgio Chinaglia (born January 24, 1947) is a former football Striker from Italy. Paolo Pulici (born 27 April 1950 at Roncello) nicknamed "Paolino" is a former Italian footballer. Giancarlo Antognoni, ( April 1, 1954 in Marsciano) is a former football player from Italy. Roberto Bettega (born 27 December 1950 is an Italian former footballer Claudio Gentile (born 27 September 1953 is an Italian football coach and former player of the 1970s and 1980s Francesco "Ciccio" Graziani (born December 16, 1952) is an Italy football manager and former player Gaetano Scirea (25 May 1953 &ndash 3 September 1989 was an Italian football player who is considered one of the greatest defenders of all-time Marco Tardelli (born September 24, 1954) is a former football player from Italy, and is the current Paolo Rossi (born September 23, 1956) is an Italian former Football (soccer player Antonio Cabrini (born October 8, 1957) is a Football (soccer coach and former successful player from Italy. Gabriele Oriali ( November 25, 1952) is a former football player from Italy who mainly played defensive midfield but could also play center-back Fulvio Collovati (born May 9, 1957) is an Italian former footballer who played defense Alessandro Altobelli (born November 28, 1955 in Sonnino, Latina) is an Italian former football player Bruno Conti (born March 13, 1955 in Nettuno, Province of Rome) is an Italian ex- football player and former coach of the Franco Baresi (born May 8, 1960 in Travagliato, Province of Brescia) is an Italian youth team coach and former football Giuseppe Bergomi (born December 22, 1963 in Milan) is an Italian former Football (soccer player who spent his entire career Roberto Donadoni (born September 9, 1963 in Cisano Bergamasco, Province of Bergamo, Lombardy) is an Italian football Giuseppe Giannini, (born August 20, 1964 in Rome) is a former Italian international footballer. Roberto Mancini (born November 27, 1964 in Jesi, Ancona) is an Italian football coach and former player Gianluca Vialli (born July 9, 1964 in Cremona) is a retired Italian football Striker and manager Walter Zenga (born 28 April 1960 in Milan) is an Italian Football (soccer manager and former player a long-time Goalkeeper Ciro Ferrara (born February 11, 1967) is an Italian former football defender, who spent most of his career at Juventus. Roberto Baggio (born 18 February 1967 in Caldogno, Veneto) is a retired Italian footballer among the most technically gifted Paolo Cesare Maldini ( born 26 June 1968 in Milan) is a legendary Italian footballer who has played his entire career for Salvatore Schillaci (born December 1, 1964 in Palermo) commonly referred to by his nickname Totò, is an Italian former Demetrio Albertini (born August 23, 1971) is an Italian former professional football Midfielder who spent most of his career with Dino Baggio (born July 24, 1971 in Camposampiero) is an Italian football Defensive midfielder. Pierluigi Casiraghi (born 4 March 1969) is an Italian former footballer who played as a Striker. Alessandro Costacurta (born April 24, 1966 in Orago, Varese) is an Italian former professional football defender Gianluca Pagliuca (born December 18, 1966 in Bologna) is an Italian football Goalkeeper. Gianfranco Zola OBE (born July 5, 1966 in Oliena, Sardinia) is a retired Italian footballer Christian Panucci (born April 12 1973 in Savona) is an Italian football player who currently plays for AS Roma of Angelo Peruzzi, Cavaliere OMRI, (born February 16, 1970 in Viterbo) is an Italian former World Cup -winning football Francesco Toldo (born December 2, 1971 in Padua) is an Italian football Goalkeeper, who currently plays for Inter Alessandro Del Piero, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born November 9 1974 in Conegliano Veneto) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer Alessandro Nesta, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born March 19 1976 in Rome) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer. Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon, Cavaliere OMRI is an Italian FIFA World Cup -winning Goalkeeper who currently plays for Italian Serie Fabio Cannavaro, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born September 13, 1973 in Naples) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer Vieri redirects here For other uses of Vieri see Vieri (disambiguation Christian Vieri (born July 12, 1973 in Francesco Totti, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born September 27 1976 in Rome) is a World Cup -winning footballer who plays for Italian Luigi di Biagio (born June 3, 1971 in Rome) is an Italian Football (soccer Defensive midfielder, who last played Gianluca Zambrotta, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born February 19, 1977 in Como, Lombardy, Italy) is an Italian Gennaro Ivan "Rino" Gattuso, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born January 9 1978 in Corigliano Calabro) is an Italian World Marco Materazzi, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born August 19, 1973 in Lecce) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer Simone Perrotta, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born September 17, 1977 in Ashton-under-Lyne, England) is an Italian Andrea Pirlo, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born May 19, 1979 in Flero, Lombardy) is an Italian World Cup and Champions Mauro Germán Camoranesi Serra, Cavaliere OMRI, (born October 4, 1976 in Tandil, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) is an Antonio Cassano (born July 12, 1982 in Bari) is an Italian footballer currently playing for Italian Serie A club U Fabio Grosso, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born November 28, 1977) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer, who plays Daniele De Rossi, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, ( July 24, 1983) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer, who plays for Alberto Gilardino, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born July 5 1982 in Biella, Piedmont) is a World Cup -winning footballer who plays as Luca Toni Varchetta Delle Cave, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born May 26, 1977 in Pavullo nel Frignano, Modena) is an Italian Events 53 - Roman Emperor Nero marries Claudia Octavia 62 - Claudia Octavia commits 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Paolo Cesare Maldini ( born 26 June 1968 in Milan) is a legendary Italian footballer who has played his entire career for Fabio Cannavaro, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born September 13, 1973 in Naples) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer Dino Zoff (born February 28, 1942 in Mariano del Friuli) is an Italian former football Goalkeeper and is the oldest winner Giacinto Facchetti ( 18 July 1942 &ndash 4 September 2006) was an Italian football player Alessandro Del Piero, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born November 9 1974 in Conegliano Veneto) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon, Cavaliere OMRI is an Italian FIFA World Cup -winning Goalkeeper who currently plays for Italian Serie Franco Baresi (born May 8, 1960 in Travagliato, Province of Brescia) is an Italian youth team coach and former football Giuseppe Bergomi (born December 22, 1963 in Milan) is an Italian former Football (soccer player who spent his entire career Marco Tardelli (born September 24, 1954) is a former football player from Italy, and is the current Demetrio Albertini (born August 23, 1971) is an Italian former professional football Midfielder who spent most of his career with Events 53 - Roman Emperor Nero marries Claudia Octavia 62 - Claudia Octavia commits 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Luigi Riva (born November 7, 1944) best known as Gigi Riva or by his nickname Rombo di Tuono (Thunder is a former Italian 83
2	Giuseppe Meazza	1930–1939	33 (53)	0. Giuseppe "Peppino" Meazza (23 August 1910–21 August 1979 also known as il "Balilla" Peppin and sometimes Pepp was an Italian footballer playing mainly for 62
3	Silvio Piola	1935–1952	30 (34)	0. Silvio Piola ( September 29, 1913 &ndash October 4, 1996) was an Italian footballer from Robbio Lomellina 88
4	Roberto Baggio	1988–2004	27 (56)	0. Roberto Baggio (born 18 February 1967 in Caldogno, Veneto) is a retired Italian footballer among the most technically gifted 48
4	Alessandro Del Piero	1995—	27 (87)	0. Alessandro Del Piero, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI (born November 9 1974 in Conegliano Veneto) is an Italian World Cup -winning footballer 31
6	Adolfo Baloncieri	1920–1930	25 (47)	0. Adolfo Baloncieri ( 27 April, 1897 &ndash July 23, 1986) was an Italian football player 53
	Filippo Inzaghi	1997–2007	25 (57)	0. 44
	Alessandro Altobelli	1980–1988	25 (61)	0. Alessandro Altobelli (born November 28, 1955 in Sonnino, Latina) is an Italian former football player 41
9	Christian Vieri	1997–2005	23 (49)	0. Vieri redirects here For other uses of Vieri see Vieri (disambiguation Christian Vieri (born July 12, 1973 in 47
9	Francesco Graziani	1975–1983	23 (64)	0. Francesco "Ciccio" Graziani (born December 16, 1952) is an Italy football manager and former player 36

Trivia

Italy played in the two World Cup finals that ended in shootouts. The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international Association football In 1994, they lost to Brazil and most recently in 2006, they emerged victorious over France.
There has been at least one Juventus player in every Italian World Cup squad since they first entered in 1934. The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international Association football
Italy have reached the World Cup Final at 12 year intervals for the last 10 tournaments, suffering defeat in 1970, then winning in 1982, suffering defeat again in 1994 before winning in 2006.

Notes

^ sueddeutsche.de: Italien will Blitzstart gegen «Oranje» (German)
^ Azure blue was the colour of the royal house of the Kingdom of Italy. Overall Juventus is the club that has contributed the most players to the Italian national team in its history they are the only Italian club that has contributed players to every Italian national The "Battle of Highbury" was the name given to the football match between England and Italy that took place on November 14, 1934 at The Battle of Santiago is the name given to a particularly unsavoury and infamous football match during the 1962 World Cup Finals. The Semi-final of the 1970 FIFA World Cup between Italy and West Germany is known in those countries as the "Game of the Century" The House of Savoy (Casa Savoia was formed in the early eleventh century in the historical Savoy region In its first two matches, the Italian national team wore white shirts with shorts from the club of each player; the azure shirts were introduced in the third match.
^ FIGC
^ FIGC - Club Italia
^ http://download.repubblica.it/pdf/motori/supplemento_ottobre06/04.pdf
^ http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/p/cg/por_prk_1966.html
^ http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/p/cg/ita_bra_1982.html
^ Yahoo! Sports - Sports News, Scores, Rumors, Fantasy Games, and more
^ Match Report - 1994 FIFA World Cup USA (TM): Nigeria - Italy. FIFAworldcup. com. Retrieved on 2006-07-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler
^ Match Report - 1994 FIFA World Cup USA (TM): Italy - Spain. FIFAworldcup. com. Retrieved on 2006-07-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler
^ Match Report - 1994 FIFA World Cup USA (TM): Bulgaria - Italy. FIFAworldcup. com. Retrieved on 2006-07-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler
^ USA 1994. FIFAworldcup. com. Retrieved on 2006-07-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler
^ See 2002 FIFA World Cup (match reports).
^ BBC SPORT | WORLD CUP | Features | Men behaving and losing badly
^ Blatter slams refereeing ... and the Italian moaners
^ There was some controversy as both Sweden and Denmark knew before their final match that a 2-2 draw between them would let both Scandinavian sides qualify at the Italians' expense, and that is exactly what transpired. Totti again found himself at the center of controversy for the Italian side after being suspended for three games for a spitting incident in the match against Denmark.
^ People's Daily Online - Scandal threatening to bury Italy's Cup dream
^ Pirlo Leads Italy Past Ghana at World Cup
^ "Lippi dedicates win to Pessotto", BBC, 2006-06-30. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, is defeated and killed by troops of the Usurper Retrieved on 2006-07-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler
^ "Azzurri prominent in All Star Team", FIFAworldcup. com, 2006-07-07. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1456 - A retrial verdict acquits Joan of Arc of heresy 25 years after her death Retrieved on 2006-07-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler
^ More than half the team admitted that their hardest game of the campaign was the game against Australia in the round of 16 "Buffon collects Lev Yashin Award", FIFAworldcup. com, 2006-07-10. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 48 BC - Battle of Dyrrhachium, Julius Caesar barely avoids a catastrophic defeat to Pompey in Macedonia. Retrieved on 2006-07-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler
^ Buckley, Kevin. "Lippi the latest to be sucked into crisis", Guardian, 2006-05-21. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 878 - Syracuse Italy is captured by the Muslim sultan of Sicily. Retrieved on 2006-07-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler
^ "Lippi resigns as Italy head coach", BBC, 2006-07-12. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1191 - Saladin 's garrison surrenders ending the two-year Siege of Acre. Retrieved on 2006-07-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler
^ "Italy oust Brazil to take top spot", FIFA, 2006-02-14. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 842 - Charles the Bald and Louis the German swear the Oaths of Strasbourg in the French and German Retrieved on 2006-02-14. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 842 - Charles the Bald and Louis the German swear the Oaths of Strasbourg in the French and German

External links

Titles

Preceded by 1930 Uruguay	World Champions 1934 (First title) 1938 (Second title)	Succeeded by 1950 Uruguay
Preceded by 1978 Argentina	World Champions 1982 (Third title)	Succeeded by 1986 Argentina
Preceded by 2002 Brazil	World Champions 2006 (Fourth title)	Succeeded by Incumbent
Preceded by 1964 Spain	European Champions 1968 (First title)	Succeeded by 1972 West Germany

The 1930 FIFA World Cup was the first FIFA World Cup, the world championship for international football teams The Uruguay national football team is controlled by the Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol. The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international Association football The 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second World Cup staged and was hosted in Italy from 27 May to 10 June The 1938 FIFA World Cup was the third staging of the World Cup and was held in France from June 4 to June 19. The 1950 FIFA World Cup, held in Brazil from June 24 to July 16, was the fourth staging of the World Cup and the first staged in 12 years due to World The Uruguay national football team is controlled by the Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol. The 1978 FIFA World Cup, the 11th staging of the World Cup was held in Argentina between June 1 and June 25. The Argentina national football team is the national football team of Argentina and is controlled by the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international Association football The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th staging of the World Cup was held in Spain from June 13 to July 11. The 1986 FIFA World Cup, the 13th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in Mexico from May 31 to June 29. The Argentina national football team is the national football team of Argentina and is controlled by the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA The 2002 FIFA World Cup, the 17th staging of the World Cup, was held in South Korea and Japan from May 31 to June 30. The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF that represents Brazil in international The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international Association football The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th instance of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament The 1964 UEFA European Nations Cup was the second edition of the quadrennial European Football Championship, endorsed by UEFA. The Spanish National Football Team, commonly referred to as La Selección, is the national football team of Spain and is controlled by the es [[Spanish The UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA (the Union of European The 1968 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in Italy. The 1972 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in Belgium. The German national football team (Die deutsche Fußballnationalmannschaft From 1950 to 1990 the team was also informally called West Germany in English as since

Contents

History

Origins and first two World Cups (1910–1938)

Post-World War II (1946–1966)

European champions and World Cup runners-up (1968–1976)

World Cup winners for the third time (1978–1982)

World Cup and European Championship runners-up (1984–2004)

2006 World Cup: Champions for the fourth time

After the World Cup

Tournament records

World Cup record

European Championship record

Honours

Coaches

2010 FIFA World Cup qualification

Players

Current squad

Recent call-up

Previous squads

Notable players

Most capped players

Top goalscorers

Trivia

See also

Notes

External links

Titles