FIFA World Cup 2006 - Meet the Italian Squad

Rank 13
Group E
World Cup Appearances 15
Best Performance Won (1934, 1938, 1982)
In 2002 Round of 16

When on song no one plays the 'Beautiful Game' as beautifully as the Italians. Holders of three World Cup titles, the Azzurri will make their 16th World Cup appearance when they travel to Germany in 2006.

The Italians won their first Jules Rimet trophy in 1934 on home soil. Fours years later in France, they became the first nation to successfully defend their crown and their third title came in 1982. Since then Italy's attempt for a fourth title have proved futile.

Qualifying for the World Cup was never going to be an issue but Italy did suffer few scary moments. Playing in their first qualifier at home, Italy conceded a goal in the very first minute to Norway before Daniele De Rossi levelled the score in the fourth minute. Just when it appeared that the game was heading for a draw, Luca Toni struck in the 79th minute to save the day for the Italians. This was followed by another unconvincing win against lowly Moldova. Then came the moment of shame when the Italians lost to unfancied opponents Slovenia. The Italians barely avoided defeat when they beat Belarus 4-3 at home. Thereafter, the Italians were on a roll winning 4 out of their remaining 6 matches to top the group - a good five points clear of second-placed Norway.

Traditionally, the Italian gameplan has revolved around their strong defence and counter-attacks. Once a goal is scored, the Italians defend it till death. However, over the years this trend has shown a decline with more and more quality strikers leaving their mark in Italian football. The likes of Roberto Baggio, Dino Zoff, Vieri have been trendsetters inspiring a generation of young attacking footballers to come around.
Italy's poor performance in the 2002 World Cup and the first round exit at EURO 2004 led to the resignation of manager Giovanni Trapattoni. Former Juventus coach Marcelo Lippi took charge of an Italian squad that looked in complete disarray. Change was the need of the hour and Lippi did that precisely. Out went regular strikers Vieri and Del Pierro and in came nine new players - Cristian Zaccardo, Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini, Daniele De Rossi, Manuele Blasi, Mauro Esposito, Luca Toni, Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta - and together they accounted for eight of the 15 goals scored by Italy on the road to Germany.

In a short period of time, these youngsters have not only cemented their place in the side but have also laid to rest all fears of a decline in Italian football. The youngsters no doubt have come of age but the seniors too have a role to play if Italy are to triumph at Germany. The likes of Totti, Del Pierro, Cannavora, Zambrotta, Nesta will all look to inspire the younger lot with their class and experience.

At Germany 2006, the Italians find themselves placed in Group E alongwith World's No.2 side Czech Republic, the USA and Ghana. On paper, the Italians are expected to go through the next round comfortably but coach Marcelo Lippi will take guard against any complacency that has often proved to be their undoing in the past.

Italy fired a warning to all with a 4-1 demolition of Germany in a friendly at Florance. Lippi will hope that his team will continue this demolition act in Germany. If things unfold in the same manner, then stopping Italy from winning their fourth World Cup will prove to be a very difficult task for any side.

Squad:

Goalkeepers :Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Angelo Peruzzi (Lazio), Marco Amelia (Livorno)

Defenders :Massimo Oddo (Lazio), Cristian Zaccardo (Palermo), Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan), Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Gianluca Zambrotta (Juventus), Fabio Grosso (Palermo)

Midfielders :Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan), Simone Perrotta (Roma), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Simone Barone (Palermo), Francesco Totti (Roma)

Forwards :Luca Toni (Fiorentina), Alberto Gilardino (AC Milan), Filippo Inzaghi (AC Milan), Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Udinese)

Courtesy of 2006 FIFA World Cup Website