Italy 2010 World Cup Preview: The Elderly Azzurri Head To South Africa Looking To Defend Their Title

The mere mention of Italy’s national team often brings out the worst in fans of the beautiful game, resulting in a reaction full of anger and vitriol, set forth by the tendency of The Azzurri (“The Blue”) to play the game, well, not-so-beautifully.

It is no secret, nor is it exaggeration, to make the claim that Italy flops (or dives). A lot. Even Urban Dictionary defines “Italian soccer” as “A special kind of soccer in which the most important skill is the ability to writhe on the field in fake agony until the ref yellow/red cards an opposing player.” And then, of course, there was this “secret video” released just before the 2006 Cup, offering a look at Italy’s training.

But this not all to say that Italy has flopped its way to past Cup success (well, not entirely, at least). Beginning in 1978, with a semi-final appearance, a new generation took hold, and Italy’s defense and overall efficiency made it into a world power, resulting in two championships since 1982, including 2006’s win over France. Italy’s defense during the four weeks in Germany in 2006 cannot be highlighted enough -- they allowed only two goals throughout the entire tournament: an own-goal against the United States and a Zidane penalty in the final. That’s it.

Despite winning the previous Cup, Italy was not granted an automatic ticket to South Africa. Instead they earned their trip to the 2010 World Cup by winning Group 8 in the UEFA qualification. Italy finished with 24 points (seven wins, three draws), beating out Ireland, which finished second with 18 points.

In a word: well. Italy has won the World Cup four times (1934, 1938, 1982, and most recently, 2006), putting them just one championship behind Brazil for the most ever. It might not be surprising then to also learn that only Italy and Brazil have ever won the Cup twice in succession. Dating back to 1978, Italy has finished at least fifth or better in six of the past eight tournaments.

Gianluigi Buffon was last seen on the grand stage producing one clean sheet after another in the 2006 World Cup. Considered one of the best keepers in recent memory, Buffon produced five shutouts in the tournament four years ago, and held a scoreless-streak of over 450 minutes. When it was all said and done and Italy hoisted the World Cup trophy, Buffon had allowed only two goals in seven matches: an own goal in the group stage and a penalty by Zidane in the final. Not surprisingly, he was awarded the Lev Yashin Award, given to the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

Fabio Cannavaro, most recently seen appearing on an Italian variety show in Nike’s epic “Write the Future” ad, is captain of The Azzurri, Italy’s record-holder for most caps (132 dating back to 1997) and one of the team’s two pillars (along with Buffon). As the only defender ever to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award (in 2006), Cannavaro already has his place cemented in the annals of soccer history, with his most impressive effort coming in 2006, when he led Italy to their fourth World Cup win. Despite the injury of defensive partner Alessandro Nesta, Cannavaro held the Italian defense together, playing in every single minute of the tournament as The Azzurri surrendered just two goals in the entire Cup.

If you are not a fan of The Azzurri, it is likely that Gennaro Gattuso will be the target of most of your ire. Another veteran (noticing a pattern?), Gattuso is a tireless midfielder, often seen making hard tackles and generally playing with an “aggressive” disposition.

* - age as of June 11