|
|
| Azzurri |
|
|
| Absolutely Fabio-lous |
| Fabio Cannavaro may have won the plaudits for Italy’s World Cup success. But, as Simon Finaldi explains, it was Fabio Grosso who was the Azzurri’s main man. More |
| Grazie Mister! |
| Marcello Lippi has stepped down as Azzurri boss. Paul Watson waves goodbye to a man who was expected to quit after Germany 2006. More |
| Gallery: Campioni del Mondo! |
| Relive the celebrations of Italy’s unforgettable night in Berlin as the Azzurri were crowned world champions for the fourth time. More |
| Pagelle: Azzurri ratings |
| Italy triumphed on penalties in the World Cup Final to become the most successful European side of all time. We rate the Azzurri heroes. More |
| Rino riot |
| Zinedine Zidane may be giving the Azzurri sleepless nights, but France have every reason to be worried at the prospect of facing Gennaro Gattuso. More |
| When opportunity knocks… |
| Italy and France contest the world title this evening. Antonio Labbate urges the Azzurri not to waste their golden opportunity by falling at the final hurdle. More |
| Old Lady’s final stand |
| Juventus are currently going through the toughest spell in their history, yet they could have as many as eight players on the pitch in the World Cup Final. More |
| Big trouble in little Berlin |
| After inspiring France to the Final, Zinedine Zidane aims for an ending worthy of a kung fu film by beating master Marcello Lippi. James Sugrue prepares for battle. More |
| The One and Only |
| Gigi Buffon went into the World Cup with his status as the best goalkeeper on the planet in question. As Richard Godden explains, nobody is doubting him now. More |
| What history says… |
| Italy and France will meet in the World Cup Final on Sunday. Steve Wilson looks at some classic encounters between the boys in blue. More |
| The Road to Berlin |
| The start of Italy’s World Cup campaign seems a distant memory now. Steve Wilson relives the path from Hanover to Berlin… More |
| Captain Courageous |
| Fabio Cannavaro has led by example during Germany 2006. Antonio Labbate profiles the stopper who is hoping to celebrate his 100th cap by lifting the World Cup. More |
| Zoff sings Les Bleus |
| Sunday’s World Cup Final between Italy and France has brought back some unwelcome memories for former Azzurri boss Dino Zoff. More |
| Pagelle: Azzurri ratings |
| Italy reached the Germany 2006 Final thanks to a performance that will go down in World Cup history. We rate the Azzurri lions. More |
| Herr we go again… |
| Italy and Germany will meet in the semi-final of the World Cup on Tuesday and if history is anything to go by, it could be a classic. More |
| Pagelle: Azzurri ratings |
| Gianluca Zambrotta was one of many key performers in the 3-0 win over the Ukraine as Italy progressed to the final four. More |
| Hello again, Andriy |
| The World Cup draw has given Andriy Shevchenko the perfect opportunity to salute Italy. Susy Campanale looks forward to the Ukrainian tie. More |
| Luca’s luck runs out |
| Luca Toni can’t break his World Cup duck for love nor money. Richard Godden takes a look at Italy’s unlucky man. More |
| The Matrix trilogy |
| As Marco Materazzi once again finds himself in the headlines, James Sugrue takes a look at his typically controversial World Cup so far. More |
| Italy win was fair dinkum |
| Claims that Italy robbed Australia of a place in the last eight of the World Cup are rife across the globe today. But, as Antonio Labbate argues, the unappreciated Azzurri are the true victims. More |
| Pagelle: Azzurri ratings |
| It proved to be a G’day for Italy in the end. But which Azzurri proved to be Wizards of Oz and who Drongos in the 1-0 win over Australia? More |
| The Socceroo Selecao |
| The Azzurri’s prime objective in the group phase was to avoid Brazil, but will the Aussies be an even sterner test than the South Americans? More |
| Time’s up for Totti |
| The big debate ahead of Italy’s game against Australia is whether Francesco Totti should start for the Azzurri. Antonio Labbate is in no doubt that the Roman should be axed. More |
| Pagelle: Azzurri ratings |
| Italy qualified for the last 16 with a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic, but there were some disappointing performances. More |
| An elbow to victory |
| Italy’s World Cup bid took an unexpected twist with an unwanted Daniele De Rossi elbow, but Marcello Lippi doesn’t come away from the USA draw totally blameless. More |
| Pagelle: Azzurri ratings |
| Daniele De Rossi was clearly the villain for the Azzurri against America, but who did shine for Italy in the chaos of the 1-1 draw? More |
| Alex deserves Italy chance |
| As the new generation of Italian strikers asserts their control, James Sugrue reminds us that there’s at least one old boy with as much hunger as any of them. More |
| Pagelle: Azzurri ratings |
| Andrea Pirlo was undoubtedly one of Italy’s best players against Ghana, but it was a difficult night for both Azzurri full-backs. More |
| Superstitious Italy expects |
| Italy’s preparations for the World Cup Finals haven’t been the easiest, but there is perhaps reason to be optimistic as Antonio Labbate explains. More |
| Ciro the hero |
| Ciro Ferrara, once a defensive pillar in Marcello Lippi’s Juve team, has joined forces with his mentor as Italy’s assistant Coach for the World Cup. More |
| Rule Br-Italia |
| Simone Perrotta may start in Italy’s opener against Ghana due to Gennaro Gattuso’s injury. James Sugrue takes a look at the English-born midfielder. More |
| Top 10 Azzurri goals |
| Some legendary Italians have struck both beautiful and vital goals in World Cup history. Dave Taylor gives you his Top 10 Azzurri strikes. More |
| Bobo bows out |
| Marcello Lippi’s World Cup plans were hit by an injury to Christian Vieri. But, as Susy Campanale argues, he won’t be missed at Germany 2006. More |
| Meet the Azzurri... |
| Here's our brief guide to the men carrying Italy’s World Cup hopes. Susy Campanale pinpoints the strengths and weaknesses of every squad member. More |
| Boy from Brescia |
| Had Andrea Pirlo learnt his trade in the dusty streets of Rio rather than the industrialised roads of Brescia, he would be wearing the Brazil shirt at this summer’s World Cup. More |
| Man from Uncle |
| Beppe Bergomi was set to only be a fringe player in Italy’s 1982 World Cup bid. That wasn't exactly the case... More |
| Pablito’s Way |
| In 1982 not only did Paolo Rossi become the World Cup top scorer, but an eternal talisman to every true football fan. More |
| Azzurri’s historic double 1934 & 1938 |
| When newly-formed FIFA awarded the first ever World Cup to Latin America in 1930, France, Yugoslavia, Belgium and Romania were the only Europeans enticed to make the three-week boat journey. More |
| Brazil halt Italy hat-trick 1970 |
| So Italy reached the quarter-finals. Despite scoring just one, fortuitous, goal they had topped their group. More |
| Bearzot builds a reputation 1978 |
| If you have to rebuild the national team, then what better place to start than Turin. More |
| Campioni del Mondo! 1982 |
| It’s an unforgettable experience for those who lived through it, one to be revealed to those who didn’t have the pleasure. More |
| Heartbreak on home turf 1990 |
| Eight years on from the success of 1982, people justifiably believed that a new generation of Azzurri footballers were ready to achieve something important. More |
| Chain reaction 1994 |
| The awful penalty miss by Diana Ross at the opening ceremony proved to be a fitting omen for a tournament which was eventually decided by football’s Russian roulette. More |
| Azzurri pay the penalty 1998 |
| Following the doomed USA ‘94 Final and the hasty exit from Euro ‘96, the public almost disliked its Nazionale. More |
| Azzurri squads through the ages |
| Ever wondered who was in Italy’s World Cup squad of 1934? How many goals did Paolo Rossi score at Argentina ’78? We reveal all the names and stats behind the Azzurri’s Mondiali heroes. More |
|
