Italy have appeared in six world cup finals and they have won the tournament on four occasions, most recently the 2006 world cup final. They have also won the European Championships once, in 1968. Without a shadow of a doubt, the Italians play some of the finest football in the world; however in the past they have been criticized for playing to defensive. The Italian football league, Serie A, is regarded as one of the best in the world, including clubs like, AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan and Parma. Most notably Juventus and AC Milan have won many European titles.
The first Italian league champions were Genoa, dating all the way back to 1898. However they only had to play three matches to win the championship. It was not until 1929 that a single national league was formed and the league was taken much more seriously by that point.
The 1930’s were arguably the best years for Italian football. The acclaimed manager, Vittorio Pozzo, led them to triumph in the world cup in 1934 and 1938 and at the Olympics in 1936. Their post war success has included winning Euro 68 and the world cup finals of 1982 and 2006.
Italian supporters are considered by many to be the most passionate. Their constant chanting and firing of colorful flares ensures that the atmosphere during the Italian matches rarely falls lower than boiling point.
The most successful domestic clubs over the years have to include Juventus and AC Milan.
Italy boast many great legendary players, including, Dino Zoff, Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini. Maldini was considered to be the best defender in the world during the 1990’s.
Italy most recently beat France in the 2006 world cup final, the match being decided on penalties.