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Like most European countries, Italy has a long and rich soccer heritage. The
country also holds the distinction of being the most recent winner of the
coveted World Cup, after defeating France by 5 to 3 in a penalty shootout during
the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final in Germany.
As such, the Italian National Football team are the current World Cup Champions
until 2010, when the next World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by South Africa.
With four victories (1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006) Italy has the second highest
number of World Cup titles under their belts. They are just one behind Brazil
who has won the prestigious soccer competition a record five times. Italy is
currently ranked 3 in the world by FIFA.
Thanks to their 2006 World Cup victory - under the excellent guidance of head
coach Marcello Lippi - the Italian National Team is considered one of the best
in the world. During each World Cup, the Italian team are easily recognizable
due to their bright azure blue uniforms.
The most capped player in the history of the Italian National Team is Paolo
Maldini with 126. The highest Italian goal scorer in the World Cup is Luigi Riva
who scored an impressive 35 goals between 1965 and 1974.
The Italian National Team is controlled by Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC),
Italy's football governing body that was founded in 1898. Based in Rome, FIGC
was a founding member of FIFA and UEFA (Union of European Football
Associations).
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