news for your site tickets messages advertising info ... about us WORLD SOCCER News Live scores EURO 2004 Action Console Infographic Diaporama Calendar ... Top Players - past ARCHIVES World Soccer News Match Reports Interviews World Cup 2002 News Match Reports Euro 2000 News Match Reports Interviews Italy Golden tears The Italian team poses on the green before match 43 group G of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea Japan 13 June, 2002 in Oita, Japan. (From L top) Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Christian Vieri, Christian Panucci, Gianluigi Buffon. (From L bottom) Francesco Totti, Fabio Cannavaro, Damiano Tomasi, Gianluca Zambrotta, Cristiano Zanetti and Filippo Inzaghi. AFP PHOTO PEDRO UGARTE Italy came within a within a whisker of winning Euro 2000, leading France 1-0 in the final they conceded an injury time equaliser and then a David Trezeguet extra-time golden goal winner, the trophy cruelly slipping from their grasp. That bitter experience will only harden their resolve as they go out to Euro 2004, with what on paper would seem to be amongst the very strongest of squads. Italy lives and breathes football and occupies an exalted position in the game's hierarchy, having won the World Cup three times in 1934, 1938 and 1982. | |
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