The group-stage exit of 1974 still lingered as two-time champions Italy sought redemption in 1978. Under Enzo Bearzot, they were ready to write the next chapter.
Italy exceeded many expectations with a deep run that took them to the semi-finals of the tournament.
Italy showed enough quality to navigate a challenging group stage, though not without the occasional stumble. Defeat in the semi-finals and the third-place match left Italy in fourth, but the journey to the last four had already exceeded expectations.
4won1drawn2lost
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3 consecutive wins kept 3 clean sheets.
Paolo Rossi led Italy's attack with 3 goals at the 1978 World Cup.
Conceded in only 4 of 7 matches
The tactical mind behind Italy's 1978 campaign. Leading Italy at his first World Cup 4 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses under Bearzot.
Enzo Bearzot employed a 4-2 formation with an emphasis on defensive solidity. Italy's backline, marshaled by captain Franco Baresi and defenders Giuseppe Savoldini, Giancarlo Gentile, and Pietro Vierce, allowed only one goal in the group stage.
