Second only to a South American powerhouse
Only Brazil, this year's hosts, have won more World Cups than Italy, with five versus their four. Moreover, although the South American titans joins them as the only side to have successfully retained their crown, gli Azzurri can boast that they were the first to do so--in 1934 and 1938. Indeed, the Southern European nation, which have hosted the tournament twice, are among the most dominant sides on the international scene, with two second placed finishes, one third, and one fourth to complement their aforementioned haul of four titles.
They have also enjoyed quite a bit of positive results in continental affairs, with eight EURO appearances that have led to one title, in 1968, plus two runners' up spots in 2000 and most recently in 2012 against Spain. Most recently, they featured in last year's Confederations Cup, their second ever appearance and departed Brazil with a third-placed medal after triumphing in a penalty shoot-out over Uruguay.
However, following their last World Cup victory in 2006, a campaign that was shrouded by the ongoing Calciopoli scandal that rocked Serie A and B, they were dumped out of the group stages four years later in South Africa. It was by far was their most dismal showing at the quadrennial competition as they failed to win a single game for the first time in their history. As a result, Italy became the third reigning champion to fail to progress past the first round, preceded by Brazil in 1966 and then France 36 years later in 2002.
Currently, in terms of rankings, the squad, which are captained by the evergreen Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon, are fourth in UEFA and are just inside the top ten in ninth place as per FIFA as of May 8th.
Road to redemption under a new manager
Following their humiliation in 2010, the team underwent some big changes--starting with at the top. Marcello Lippi quickly made way for his successor, Cesare Prandelli, who made his debut that summer which was marked by a 1-0 friendly loss to the Ivory Coast. However, the former midfielder, who is best known for his time spent managing Fiorentina, soon began to turn things around, notably guiding the team to a 2-1 victory against Estonia in their EURO 2012 qualifiers which set things in motion for Italy to secure top spot in their group.
Despite being trounced 4-0 by Spain in the EURO finals, Prandelli nonetheless was able to steer the side successfully through their World Cup qualifying matches, in which they finished top of Group B with a comfortable six-point advantage over Denmark. Moreover, they did so without losing a single match--six wins and four draws--in which mercurial striker Mario Balotelli finished as his side's top marksman with five goals.
Under Cesare Prandelli, Italy have fared well so far...will they be able to continue in Brazil?
All eyes will be on Prandelli's men as they hope to make up for the South African debacle this time around, and they will have to contend with familiar foes England and Uruguay--both of whom they recently defeated via spot-kicks in their past two tournaments--as well as Costa Rica in Group D.
A mix of veterans and newer faces
In selecting the personnel for the trip to Brazil, Prandelli opted to call on a combination of veteran players as well as some rising stars keen to make themselves known on the international front. As usual, there is a healthy contingent from reigning Scudetto champions Juventus, with players like defensive trio Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, and Andrea Barzagli; midfield duo Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo; and of course, the aforementioned Gigi Buffon, who also serves as skipper for the Bianconeri.
The Juventus-Azzurri connection: 6 out of the 23 players ply their trades with the Bianconeri
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Other relics from past World Cups include Roma's Daniele De Rossi, who was part of the 2006 winning team. And although this will be first tournament for Rossoneri attacker Balotelli, the 23-year-old has racked up some international credits by featuring in both the EURO 2012 and last year's Confederations Cup tournaments.
Yet, alongside these more experienced players are also newer faces like PSG's Marco Verratti, napoli's Lorenzo Insigne, Torino's Ciro Immobile (widely reported to be en route to Borussia Dortmund), and Immobile's club teammate Alessio Cerci, who are all vying to get a shot to shine in the most-closely watched tournament on Earth.
Naturally the team will turn to their most experienced players to help guide them, with individuals like Pirlo being among the most essential and valued members of the squad. The 35-year-old has been instrumental in Juventus winning three consecutive Scudetti for the first time since the 1930's and setting a new points record this season.
Moreover, as if his passing abilities were not something that have been impressing Serie A followers for years, this past season, each and every single one of his goals were from free-kicks. Add to that a calm and composed nature when called upon to take a penalty--English supporters will definitely remember his cheeky one from 2012--and one gets a player that is by far the most influential member of Prandelli's troops. Simply put, if Buffon is the commander-in-chief, then Pirlo is his trusted right-hand man; without him, the team loses its momentum and attacking fluidity.
Where to catch them in action
Want to stay on top of all Italy's games this summer? Visit their match page to find out times and channels for your specific country.
