Can you name every member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad?
Oliver Thomas
Rome: Sixteen years ago to this day, Italy were crowned world champions for the fourth time when they beat France in a memorable final on penalties in Berlin.
After finishing top of their group with seven points from a possible nine available, the Azzurri beat Australia, Ukraine and Germany in the knockout rounds before locking horns with reigning champions France in the showpiece event.
A lively start to the final saw both teams score within the first 20 minutes but they were eventually forced to settle the most prestigious game in football on penalties. France were unable to call upon star man Zinedine Zidane in the shootout after he was dismissed for an unforgettable headbutt in extra time.
Italy went on to score five perfect penalties and win the shootout 5-3 to lift the World Cup for the first time in 24 years. Their success in Berlin is still to this day the last time that they got their hands on the trophy.
To celebrate the 16th anniversary of Italy’s fourth World Cup triumph, Sports Mole challenges you to name the Azzurri’s squad from the 2006 tournament.