Italy Men's National Team (1990-1998)

About

The Italy Men's National Team from 1990 to 1998 was a formidable force in international football. During this period, the team hosted the 1990 World Cup, where they achieved a third-place finish. Led by coach Azeglio Vicini and later Arrigo Sacchi, Italy featured talented players like Salvatore Schillaci and Roberto Baggio. Schillaci became the tournament's top scorer with six goals, while Baggio emerged as a key figure in Italian football. Despite hosting the World Cup, Italy struggled in the 1992 European Championship qualification and missed the tournament. However, under Sacchi, they improved and qualified for Euro 1996, though they failed to advance past the group stage. At the 1998 World Cup, Italy reached the quarterfinals but lost to France in a penalty shootout. This era marked a transition for the Azzurri, with Baggio becoming a central figure and other players like Alessandro Del Piero rising to prominence. The team's performances showcased both resilience and skill, setting the stage for future successes.