Italy

FIFA World Ranking (November 2001): 6th

2002 World Cup qualifying: Won UEFA "Group 8" (6-0-2; 16 GF, 3 GA)

2001 Overall Record: 6-1-2

World Cup final appearances: 15 - 1934 (1st), 1938 (1st), 1950 (7th), 1954 (10th), 1962 (9th), 1966 (9th), 1970 (2nd), 1974 (10th), 1978 (4th), 1982 (1st), 1986 (12th), 1990 (3rd), 1994 (2nd), 1998 (5th), 2002

Overall Record in WC: 38-12-16

Record vs. U.S.: 2-0-2; 9 GF, 2 GA

Most Recent Match vs. U.S.: U.S. 1, Italy 1 in Chicago; June 17, 1992 (Harkes; R. Baggio)

Manager: Giovanni Trappatoni (ITA)

Championship Honors: 1968 European champions; 1934, 1938 & 1982 World Cup champions

Key Players: Paolo Maldini (D, AC Milan), Francesco Totti (M, AS Roma), Francesco Toldo (GK, Inter Milan), Alessandro Nesta (D, Lazio)

Fast Facts: Three-time winners of the World Cup, equal with Germany and one behind Brazil.... Have qualified for 11 consecutive World Cups and their 15 overall appearances is also even with Germany (and just two behind Brazil's 17).... The Italians surrendered just one goal in their final seven qualifying matches (after opening with a 2-2 draw in Hungary).... Were led offensively by Filippo Inzaghi's seven goals and Alessandro Del Piero's five tallies.... Were finalists at World Cup U.S. '94, losing on penalties to Brazil.