Photo from Nazionale Calcio on Flickr. License under CC BY 2.0
Coming in to the 2006 World Cup, Italy were shrouded in controversy with the Calciopoli scandal. This scandal involved clubs, executives and referees in which telephone tapings were gathered and found relations between club execs and referees where they were accused of selecting officials who would be biased in games. Milan and Reggina had points deducted from the 2005-06 season and 2006-07 season. Lazio and Fiorentina’s original punishment was to be relegated to Serie B but this was changed to a points deduction like Milan and Reggina. Juventus were not as lucky as the initial punishment of being relegated to Serie B stuck which left them being the only club to have such a severe punishment. Italy were rocked by this scandal and on the eve of the World Cup was reminiscent of the 1980 Totonero scandal where a certain Paolo Rossi was the face of the 1982 World Cup on his return from his two year ban.
This scandal seemingly affected the players as well including Alessandro Del Piero whose performances evidently took a dip due to the chaos. With his friend Gianluca Pessotto’s alleged suicide attempt only a day after the round of 16 this casted even more doubt on Del Piero’s ability to help Italy. Being the only man in the squad to score in a previous World Cup someone would need to step up. Another issue with Italy was the availability of Francesco Totti who only in February fractured his left fibula and tore his ankle ligaments. This at the time essentially ruled him out of the World Cup and even with his miraculous recovery at the Coppa Italia final only came on as a substitute for 36 minutes. With all these problems it did not look good for Italy!
Embed from Getty ImagesItaly were drawn in group E alongside Czech Republic, Ghana and USA. Czech Republic came into the tournament ranked 2nd in the world with Cech, Nedved and Rosicky. Ghana had the likes of Essien, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan with USA having Dempsey and Donovan. This was far from easy for Italy and knowing there track record of losing simple matches it was not going to be a simple group.
Italy’s first game was against Ghana in which Pirlo opened the scoring just before half time. Then Iaquinta doubled the lead in the 83rd minute which all but guaranteed the three points for Italy. With that win Italy took their unbeaten run to 19 games and haven’t lost since October 2004. Azzurri had USA next who had been beaten 0-3 by Czech Republic in the first group stage.
Embed from Getty Images22 minutes into the game against USA, Gilardino opened the scoring with a header only to be cancelled out 5 minutes later by Zaccardo who calamitously put the ball in his own net under no pressure. Things went from bad to worse for the Italians as De Rossi idiotically was sent off for this goal it all changed for Italy with De Rossi getting sent off for an unnecessary elbow. Just before half time Mastroeni was sent off for a reckless challenge on Andrea Pirlo meaning at the half time whistle both teams had scored and both were down to 10. At the start of the second half Eddie Pope was sent off for United States however Italy were unable to capitalise on the man advantage as it finished 1-1. With Ghana beating Czech Republic it meant it was all to play for going into the last group game.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt didn’t start great for Italy as Nesta had to be subbed early and was replaced by Marco Materazzi which would be his last appearance in the competition. The substitution seemed like fate as 10 minutes later Materazzi got his name on the scoresheet but would not be his last impact nor his biggest. Czechia had Polak sent off towards the end of the first half allowing Italy to take advantage at the end of the second half with Inzaghi doubling the lead securing the victory and Italy’s position at the top of Group E.
Australia waited in the round of 16 in a game that would be very uninspiring. Materazzi went from hero to zero as he’d leave the field and his side down to 10 men. Italy eventually took the victory thanks to a Francesco Totti penalty that was the last kick of the game. A much more convincing performance by the Italians occurred in the quarter final with a 3-0 victory against Ukraine. Zambrotta opened the scoring and Luca Toni bagged a brace.
Embed from Getty ImagesItaly met Germany in the semis, the first time they had faced each other in the World Cup since the 1982 final. Italy were unbeaten 23 games coming into the game whilst Germany had won 13 out of 14 games at the Signal Iduna Park with an outstanding goal difference of 59-7. The first half went by with both teams showing every desire to try and win from the get-go but remained scoreless. Second half was very much the same but Germany closing out the 90 as the stronger team. In extra time it became very apparent that Germany had gone to penalties in the quarter final as they tired quickly and Italy gained control. Then on the 119th minute – Italy struck! A cute pass by Pirlo into Grosso and he wrapped his foot around the ball in to the far left corner. Grosso ran off with tears passion reminiscent of Marco Tardelli’s celebration against Germany 24 years prior. Germany went all out to get the equaliser only to be stopped by a Cannavaro header finished off by Gilardino unselfishly playing Del Piero in on goal to break the hearts of the Germans. Italy were through to the final and would meet 1998 winners France.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe most prized possession in football all came down to this one game. Could Italy become 4x champions or would France make it 2 in 3 tournaments? Zinedine Zidane announced in April that he would retire after the World Cup so could he go out in triumph or with a runners up medal round his neck. This was a repeat of Euro 2000 final that ended with a David Trezeguet golden goal. Importantly, every team wants to start a game well and that is exactly what Italy did not do. Malouda ran through into the box and Materazzi tripped him over. PENALTY to France! Calm as ever, Zizou stepped up to take it. Which way would he go? Left? Right?
Panenka – off the underside of the bar. 6 minutes in and Les Blues were already 1-0 up but that wouldn’t last long. After giving the penalty away, Materazzi headed home the equaliser thanks to a Pirlo corner and restored Italy’s chances. Half time and full time came and went with no players or teams grabbing the bull by the horns. 15 minutes of extra time had the same effect with players looking very tired after a gruelling month. Arguably, the most famous event not only in World Cup history but football history happened. Initially, to the millions at home the camera panned to see Materazzi rolling around on the floor. The Italians were going crazy with rage! What had happened?
Then, it was revealed. Materazzi had been HEADBUTTED by ZIDANE! Why? In his last game as well. This was before Video Assistant Referee and Horacio Elizondo the referee had not seen it. He was called over by the linesman and straight away walked back over to Zidane – It was red! An exceptional career all over with a single stupid impulsive action. Italy can’t capitalise on Zidane’s disgraceful choice and the game ended up going to penalties.
Embed from Getty ImagesPirlo started the shootout with a strike past Barthez to take the lead. Wiltord sends Buffon the wrong way to equalise. Next up was the ‘instigator’ Materazzi who struck low and into the corner. Trezeguet was 2nd choice for France and the hero in Euro 2000 and with a powerful shot hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced out. Advantage Italy. De Rossi, Abidal, Del Piero, Sagnol all went blow for blow, each scoring their penalty. 4-3 it was and to win it for Azzurri was the hero of the semi final – Fabio Grosso.
This was to make it their 4th World Cup victory and 1st since 1982 – Grosso ran up and… SCORED!
Embed from Getty ImagesItaly were champions!
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter all the tribulations, controversy and doubt Italy performed outstandingly. Never seen as contenders and always cast aside in the build up. Even when Grosso stepped up to take the penalty there wasn’t a great deal of belief until the ball collided with the back of the net. Underdogs throughout the tournament proving everyone wrong!
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