FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template
Italy may have experienced difficulties in qualifying for the World Cup finals, but you would write-off Cesare Maldini’s side at your peril.
Making their 14th appearance in a World Cup final, Italy will be looking to erase the memories of a sluggish build-up, turning on the style just when it matters most.
Indeed the cracks that conspired to produce results like goalless draws against Poland and Georgia may in time help the proud Italians; who have figured in two of the last four finals, winning in 1986 and finishing second to Brazil four years ago.
In the run-up to France ‘98, Italy, despite their presence in the play-offs against Russia, remained unbeaten, conceding only two goals in 10 games. Their finest hour came at Wembley when they ran out 1-0 victors over England, only to book a trip to Moscow with that 0-0 draw against Glenn Hoddle’s team back in Rome. With the snow of a wintry October evening swirling about their legs they were staring failure head on but the triple World Cup winners kept their cool and returned home with an invaluable 1-1 draw. They concluded their business in Naples with a 1-0 win with Maldini promising to find a solution to his side’s goalscoring problems. He will, of course, be placing a lot of faith in the prodigious talent encased in the frame of Alessandro del Piero, not to mention Christian Vieri and Filippo Inzaghi.
Back in defence is the indomitable Paolo Maldini. The Milan left back is the most capped player in the squad and a powerful captain. He is also son of the boss.
In goal, Maldini has a safe paid of hands to choose from in Angelo Peruzzi, a regular in the line-up since his first appearance in 1995. Italy may not have set the world alight in the dress rehearsal. They’ll be leaving that for the big stage.