2010

2006

Champions : The descendants of the Roman Empire beat France via a penalty shoot-out, after drawing the match 1-1.

Italy's squad for Soccer World Cup 2006.

Placed in Group E with Czech Republic, Ghana and the United States. Prior to the semi-final match in which Italy faced Germany, they were described on the website of German weekly Der Spiegel as "parasites, mamma's boys and slimy," causing outrage in the Italian team's World Cup camp. However, Italy finally showed their class in an intimidating German atmosphere defeating the hosts in a tense semi-final.

A special mention to the Italian defenders: They let in 2 goals in 7 matches: (1) an own goal against the USA and a dodgy penalty against France. Impressively, Alessandro Nesta, supposedly Italy's best defender was hurt and hardly played.

2002

Eliminated in 2nd round.

1998

Eliminated in the quarter-finals.

1994

Runners-up

1990

Eliminated in the semi-finals against Argentina. Robert Baggio, known as "Il Divino Codino" (the Divine Ponytail) took the ball from the halfway line, played a one-two with a teammate, ran past defenders and shot the ball past the goalie.

1986

Eliminated in 2nd round.

1982

Champions

1978

Fourth place.

1974

Eliminated in first round.

1970

Runners-up. Lost 1-4 to Brazil.

1966

Eliminated in first round.

1962

Eliminated in first round.

1958

Did not qualify.

1954

Eliminated in first round. Lost 1-4 to Switzerland.

1950

Eliminated in first round.

1938

Champions

1934

Champions, on the way defeating the USA 7-1.

1930

Did not enter.

Statistical archive

Italian Football Federation

Wikipedia

13 July 2006

Victorious Lippi exits