The Italian squad are heading to South Africa as defending World Champions, and as it is their 17th appearance in a World Cup final are looking for their fifth title as champions – the second in a row. As they head into the World Cup to prove why it is they are the current champions, the Italians are undoubtedly strong contenders for this year’s cup, and would be the second Italian team to win consecutive World Cups since 1934/1938.
The Italian squad are heading to South Africa as defending World Champions, and are looking for their fifth title this year.
The Italian team do not necessarily play the prettiest or most inspirational football, but they are known for getting the job done – and that they did on the road to South Africa. The European giants topped Group 8 with seven wins and three goals, and never left the top spot in the group after their opening win.
Italy have been drawn in Group F for the 2010 World Cup, where they will face Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia, in what will be a relatively easy group for the European force. The South Americans will prove the toughest challenge, and will most likely face Denmark or Cameroon in the next round, which will probably be one of the easier draws. The Italians come into the World Cup confident they can reclaim the trophy, however do not necessarily look as strong as they did four years ago, but with their passion and determination will definitely do well as many of the squad realise this will most likely be their last chance at international success.
Italy’ Group F Schedule
No. |
Date |
Match |
Location |
Kick-Off (Local) |
Kick-Off (AEST) |
| 11 | 14.06.10 | Italy V Paraguay | Green Point Stadium, Cape Town | 20.30 | 04.30 (15.06.10) |
| 28 | 20.06.10 | Italy V New Zealand | Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit | 16.00 | 00.00 (21.06.10) |
| 41 | 24.06.10 | Slovakia V Italy | Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg | 16.00 | 00.00 (25.06.10) |
KEY PLAYERS:
FABIO CANNAVARO (CAPTAIN)
Born: 13.09.1973 in Naples, Italy
Height: 1.75 metres
Position: Defender
Club: Al-Ahli Club, UAE League
International Debut: Vs Northern Ireland (22.01.1997)
Fabio Cannavaro has been skipper for the Italians since just after the 2002 World Cup and has captained his national side to World Cup success when they won the 2006 World Cup title. He has been a regular name on the team sheet since 1997, and will be making his fourth consecutive appearance in a World Cup tournament this year, as he heads there one of the more experienced players having also played in two European Championships. The 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year also goes into the finals as Italy’s most capped player ever, as he leads his country into another world cup.
GENNARO GATTUSO
Born: 09.01.1978 in Corigliano Calabro, Italy
Height: 1.78 metres
Position: Midfielder
Club: Milan, Serie A
Gennaro Gattuso has been a part of the Italian international side since 2000 and the Australian Olympic games, having been part of the 2002 World Cup, and the winning 2006 World Cup side, along with performances in Euro 2008. During the last World Cup, Gattuso was named as Man of the Match in the knockout stage game against Ukraine, and in the top ten players to take part in the tournament. Along with Cannavaro, this could well be Gattuso’s last realistic attempt to win another title, and so will be hoping to go out with a bang, as his passion and determination will lead from the midfield once again.
ALBERTO GILARDINO
Born: 05.07.1982 in Beilla, Italy
Height: 1.84 metres
Position: Forward
Club: Fiorentina, Serie A
Alberto Gilardino is another of Italy’s players who was a part of the winning 2006 FIFA World Cup side, and was a pivotal striker for the nation in the lead up to the 2010 World Cup, claiming the top goal scorer with four strikes to his name. On the way to the finals, Gilardino scored a stunning hat trick over Cyprus in the last 13 minutes of the match, giving them a 3-2 win, and securing himself as a key part of the upcoming campaign.
ITALIAN SQUAD
Position |
Name |
| Coach | Marcello Lippi |
| Goalkeepers | Gianluigi BUFFON |
| Morgan DE SANCTIS | |
| Federico MARCHETTI | |
| Salvatore SIRIGU | |
| Defenders | Salvatore BOCCHETTI |
| Leonardo BONUCCI | |
| Fabio CANNAVARO | |
| Mattia CASSANI | |
| Giorgio CHIELLINI | |
| Domenico CRISCITO | |
| Gianluca ZAMBROTTA | |
| Midfielders | Mauro CAMORANESI |
| Antonio CANDREVA | |
| Andrea COSSU | |
| Daniele DE ROSSI | |
| Gennaro GATTUSO | |
| Fabio GROSSO | |
| Christian MAGGIO | |
| Claudio MARCHISO | |
| Riccardo MONTOLIVO | |
| Angelo PALOMBO | |
| Simone PEPE | |
| Andrea PIRLO | |
| Forwards | Marco BORRIELLO |
| Antonio DI NATALE | |
| Alberto GILARDINO | |
| Vincenzo IAQUINTA | |
| Giampaolo PAZZINI | |
| Fabio QUAGLIARELLA | |
| Giuseppe ROSSI |
