The Defining Moment
Italy 1934
Italy played the 1934 World Cup under the shadow of Benito Mussolini, who saw the tournament as a showcase for the fascist regime. The Azzurri, managed by Vittorio Pozzo and bolstered by South American oriundi, reached the final in Rome. There, Czechoslovakia took the lead in the 76th minute through Antonín Puč. When all seemed lost, Raimundo Orsi equalised with an impossible curling shot eight minutes from time. In extra time, Angelo Schiavio scored the 2-1 winner. Italy lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy on home soil a victory immediately seized upon by the propaganda machine, but one that also reflected the genuine talent of an extraordinary generation.
