World Cup Finals Profile: Italy

Italy

Sixteenth appearance. Best performances: Winner in 1934, 1938, 1982.

First-Round Results: Beat Ghana, drew with the United States 1-1, and finished with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic.

Second-Round Result: Beat Australia 1-0.

Quarterfinal Result: Beat Ukraine 3-0.

Semifinal Result: Beat Germany 2-0 in extra time.

Stars: Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero scored in the last two minutes of extra time to stun the hosts at Dortmund. Grosso has made many penetrating runs from the back line, while the Italians have seen technical brilliance on defense from Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluca Zambrotta. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has not been beaten by an opposing player.

Outlook: The Italians have either ignored or been inspired by the soccer scandal tearing apart their sport back home. The Germans couldn't break down their staunch defense, and Italy's skills at launching volleys to clear the ball from danger has been incredible.

Coach Marcello Lippi has been masterful in his substitutions, getting the best out of his bench as well as his starters. Italy has had 10 players score, led by Luca Toni with two. And Toni, the leading scorer in Serie A last season, has had little impact.

If Italy's defense remains so rigid and smart, the Azzurri should bring home the trophy.