The FIFA World Cup Finals: The champions over the years

Soccer - FIFA World Cup 2002 - Final - Germany v Brazil
The FIFA World Cup Trophy

Italy - 4 World Cups

Italy were the team that introduced the art of tactical defending to the world through what they called Catenaccio. They have appeared in six finals and won four of them, making them one of the most successful teams at the World Cup, along with Brazil and Germany.

Italian footballer Fabio Cannavaro, capt
Italian captain, Fabio Cannavaro with the World Cup trophy that they won in 2006

Italy appeared in back to back finals in the 1934 and 1938 editions, winning against Czechoslovakia (2-1 after extra time) in the first appearance in their home tournament. In the second of the consecutive appearances, Italy defeated Hungary (4-2) to go onto become the first nation to defend their title, which was later replicated only once by Brazil.

After 1938, Italy had to wait another 44 years to win the title again. In between which they lost a final 4-1 to Brazil. In 1982, they defeated West Germany to win their third trophy. Following that, they had to wait another 24 years to win the trophy for the fourth time in 2006.

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