Celebration Azzurri. The Italian National Team was the champion of the 1982 World Cup in Spain, the third star of their history and the first with the current trophy of the World Cup. The team, led by Enzo Bearzot, arrived in Spanish lands far from being favorites, but they took the top prize. They will be the great absentees in Russia 2018.
Italy's campaign as champion in the 1982 World Cup
Italy reached Spain 1982 after a complicated qualifying campaign, in which they barely outperformed Denmark in the final stretch. To make matters worse, forward Paolo Rossi was suspended for illegal betting, but he received an amnesty close to the tournament. With their last title in 1938, the Azzurri were not among the favorites to lift the World Cup.
The Italian squad also did not do much to enter the group of favorites at the start of the World Cup. Italy advanced from the group stage by scoring one more goal than Cameroon, a difference that prevailed as both teams drew in all three of their matches. Argentina and Brazil awaited the Italians in Group C of the second round. A nearly impossible task to pass.
Destiny almost left Paolo Rossi out of Spain 1982. He was suspended for two years, during which he always claimed his innocence. (Photo: Getty Images)
The change came with the victory against the Albiceleste. Italy finished first in the group and qualified for the semifinals. Along with the spectacular comeback, came the goals of Paolo Rossi. He did not score in the first four matches, but his three goals against Brazil put Enzo Bearzot's team among the top four.
Paolo Rossi's goals continued to pave the way for Italy. He scored two against Poland, and thus advanced to the title match. The overwhelming favorite Federal Germany was their last test, on July 11th at the Santiago Bernabeu. As he stepped onto Madrid's pitch, Dino Zoff, the Italian goalkeeper, became the player with the most years in a World Cup final.
Italy defied all logic and defeated Federal Germany 3-1. Of course, Paolo Rossi scored the first goal and led his team to their third World Cup title. The Juventus forward also found his fortune: he was the top scorer with six goals, and also chosen as the best player of Spain 1982.
Dino Zoff, the captain of Italy champion in Spain, played 17 matches in four World Cups. His first call-up had been in 1970. (Photo: Getty Images)
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