Italy began their World Cup training preparations in Florence before
flying to Switzerland for a couple of friendly matches in Geneva.
Italy Team Hotel
Landhaus Milser
in Duisburg:
It's not hard to understand why Italy chose this hotel. The Da Vinci Ristorante has the
competition beat in Duisburg, when it comes to home-made pasta and wines from Tuscany.
Hotels
in Duisburg:
Italian fans wanting to stay near their beloved Azzuri, have a pleasant choice of hotels
in Duisburg.
Italy vs Ghana in Hannover:
Italy didn't have things all their own way against Ghana but they got the three points
they wanted, to keep up with Czech Republic and kept a clean sheet.
Italy vs USA in Kaiserslautern:
De Rossi, who was sent-off in the 28th minute, also ended Francesco Totti's game; as
Marcello Lippi was forced to make a tactical substitution and bring on Gennaro Gattuso to
strengthen the midfield.
Czech Republic vs Italy
in Hamburg:
Italy left the Serie A footballing scandal behind them to concentrate on winning
qualification into the Second Round, with the lowest exertion possible.
Second Round Italy vs Australia in Kaiserslautern:
Italy played with ten men for forty minutes and were awarded a vital penalty in injury
time; before they were forced to play another thirty minutes, having used all their
substitutes.
Quarter-Final Italy vs Ukraine in Hamburg:
Italy took an early lead and, despite a few second-half scares from Ukraine, the Italians
went on to win comfortably to book a semi-final place with the hosts.
Semi-Final Germany vs Italy in Dortmund:
As Italy always go out on penalties (like England) and Germany always seem to win
methodically from the spot, Lippi played his last card to try and pinch the game in the
last fifteen minutes: Alessandro Del Piero.
2006 World Cup Final Italy vs France in Berlin:
The 2006 World Cup Final was decided on penalties; Italy winning the trophy for the 4th
time.
