CCTV

Headline News

World

Italy look to end world cup drought

Source: CCTV.com

05-11-2006 17:52

Italy may have been world champions on three occasions, but they last lifted the World Cup way back in 1982. In Germany next month they will be keen to bring to an end their 24-year drought. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic head to their first World Cup finals, hoping to emulate the success of the forbears.

Italy have not won a trophy for 24 years. World champions on three occasions, Italy only made it to the last 16 in the 2002 tournament and two years ago, they were knocked out of Euro 2004 in the group stages.

This time Italy need to shake off fatigue to achieve good results. Their squad is powerful. Four strikers are almost certain to be named: Alessandro Del Piero, Alberto Gilardino, Luca Toni and Francesco Totti.

Alberto Gilardino of AC Milan and Fiorentina's Luca Toni are two young rising stars. Francesco Totti however is an injury concern for Lippi. Filippo Inzaghi has been called up to the national squad following a two year break. Inzaghi will battle for a place as forward alongside Livorno's Cristiano Lucarelli and Vincenzo Iaquinta of Udinese.

Italy's opening World Cup match against Ghana is on the 12th of June in Hanover.

Moving to the Czech Republic.....They will appear in a World Cup final for the very first time. As Czechoslovakia they were at 8 World Cup finals back in 1990, and they finished runners-up in both 1934 and 1962. Karel Bruckner's team arguably possesses the strongest squad of players in the history of Czech football. Now they will have their work cut out to qualify for the second round after being drawn in Group E with Italy, the USA and Ghana.

 

Editor:Chen Minji

1