Been some classics. For me it's a choice of two. Both are semi finals actually. The match against Germany at euro 2012 where I feel the score should have been greater and also the 2000 semi match vs the Dutch who were in red hot form and we managed to beat them in front of their own fans despite playing with ten men from the 34th minute onward including extra time. They had two penalties also, one which was saved by Toldo and another that was missed hitting the post. Fantastic defensive display from our Azzurri. Unbelievable. Could also throw in the other great semi finals we beat Germany in 2006 and 1970.
i think the best would've prob been 82 WC semis and final, but i was barely born then. lol so i'd have to say the 2 semis vs. germany in 2006 and 2012 but also i loved the 90s teams...from 90-2002 were some great talent, just sub-par coaching...italy shouldve won something in that era
A disgrace they didn't win anything during those years. Especially 90 WC, 2000 Euro Final and 2002 WC.
If you mean the best epic battles of Italy NT, off the top of my head I would say: 1. Holland at Euro 2000: the most outstanding defensive display I have ever witnessed by Italy. 2. Nigeria at WC 1994: fantastic emotions. 3. Germany at WC 2006: Italy at their best of attacking play.
On the other hand, I was wondering something similar. I mean, if you had to pick the best Italy NT ever you could, in order to send them to the final of the "Universal Cup of all times", which one would you choose? I'd go for the WC 2002 team. The most unlucky and full of talent Italy team ever.
yea that year and 2004 were a shame. just the names on that team was epic. cant believe those coaches couldnt get results.
My favorite Italy moments 1982 v Brasil my first world cup I ever watched thank you CBC 2006 and 2012 v Germany No body expected us to win either game.
I wouldnt say nobody expected us to win either game at all. I predicted we'd beat Germany and couldnt believe we were paying 5-1 for the win at euro 2012. Many thought we'd beat Germany also in 2006. Tommy Smyth the ESPN analyst predicted we'd win the world cup.
In 2006 probably not, that was a strong team and they had beat germany 4-1 in a friendly right before WC but in 2012 EVERYONE picked Germany. I didnt see a single source that picked Italy...if they did, it was purely on the history of the 2 teams against each other.
Wrong. Not Everyone picked Germany. Robby Earle on ESPN for one picked Italy to beat Germany and win the whole comp before euro 2012 started. And since when do you speak for everyone? '' If they did it was purely based on the history of the two teams against each other '' Awesome, nostradamus here not only do you know all but you know what people think. You seem to forget the game before we demolished England everywhere bar the scoreboard and in earlier games vs Croatia and Spain played awesome football in the first halves.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...bold-predictions-for-germany-vs-italy/page/11 Another one who predicted Italy would get past Germany. As I said, not everyone was picking Germany.
Actually another game I saw Italy play and they were very impressive was 1976 WC qualifier v England were Bettega scored a awesome goal from a great set up from both Causio and Benneti
Italy Germany 1970 Perhaps greatest match ever Italy Australia 2006 so tense, especially after Marco was sent off Italy England Euro 2012 Always great to beat the English Italy Scotland qualifier for Euro 2008 fantastic atmosphere
I would add a few that others haven't mentioned: 1978 beating Argentina in their house 1982 beating Brazil (greatest all around game I've ever watched) 1994 Semifinal vs Bulgaria
Best Italy game I watched was obviously the Final in 2006. Another game I remember fondly that other have not mentioned was the win against France in 2008. At the time I really disliked the French. They were really sour losers and that match was yet another grudge match meeting two years on from beating them in 2006. It was also a winner takes all match whereby whoever wins goes through to the knockout stage and the loser goes out. The match played like dream. Pirlo converted a great spot kick and Abidal got sent off. De Rossi got the second and I could feel the French confidence got destroyed. Very satisfying win I remember. They have not recovered from that since then. They have been a shodow of their former selves. Really good we put the French down.
That was a great win. As you said it was a grudge match and a lot of animosity between us and them from that world cup final existed. Played them twice in qualifying also. Even before the send off where were playing them off the park only for Toni to squander chances again. A good game and good to send them packing. Lucky the dutch beat romania also as they were already through and could have lost that game and still topped the group.
1. Brazil - Italy WC 1982 2. Holland - Italy Euro 2000 3. Germany - Italy WC 1970 4. Germany - Italy WC 2006 5. Italy - Germany WC Final 1982 those are my top 5
Italia vs Germania 2-0 2006 Italia vs Japan 4-3 2013 Confideration Cup Italia vs England 0-0 5-3 2012 Euro Cup Top 3!