Every FIFA World Cup Winner Ranked From Worst To Best

Often what delineates a great side from an average one, aside from sheer quality, is the narrative surrounding them.

Going into the tournament the Azzurri were marred in controversy following the Calciopoli match fixing scandal that had rocked Italian football. Therefore, the chances of obtaining their fourth title looked as likely as England winning a penalty shoot-out.

But the controversy seemingly bonded the squad, who admittedly overcame a relatively easy draw before defeating hosts Germany in the semi-final.

The final against rivals France has since become that of legend. Zinedine Zidane in his final ever match, had excelled throughout the tournament having put on a masterclass in the quarter-final match against World Cup heavyweights Brazil. He opened the scoring through a Panenka penalty, before Marco Materazzi equalised.

However, the game is now infamous for the Zidane head butt on Materazzi, rather than Italy’s dramatic win in the penalty shootout and securing their fourth World Cup. The narrative of Zidane has undoubtedly masked a talented Italy squad, who featured the likes of Buffon, Cannavaro, Pirlo and Totti.

Zidane may have stolen the limelight, but Italy went home with what mattered.