king
1 Giovanni Galli
knight
3 Antonio Cabrini
pawn
6 Gaetano Scirea
pawn
8 Pietro Vierchowod
knight
2 Giuseppe Bergomi
bishop
10 Salvatore Bagni
rook
13 Fernando De Napoli
rook
16 Bruno Conti
bishop
14 Antonio Di Gennaro
queen
18 Alessandro Altobelli
queen
19 Giuseppe Galderisi
4-4-2
4-4-2
4-3-3
4-2-3-1
4-1-4-1
4-5-1
4-3-2-1
3-5-2
3-4-3
5-3-2
5-4-1
Piece
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World Cup 1986

Italy

Round of 16

Arriving as defending champions, Italy carried the weight of their 1982 triumph into 1986. Under Enzo Bearzot, they set out to do what so few ever manage win it twice in a row.

0
Played
0
Wins
0
Goals
0
Win Rate
Latest News
Korea Republic 2-3 Italy in Group Stage
The 1986 FIFA World Cup saw Korea Republic secure a memorable victory over Italy in a spirited group stage encounter. Jan 17, 2026
The Campaign

World Cup 1986

As defending champions, Italy found the knockout rounds unforgiving, exiting earlier than their status demanded.

The Defining Moment

Italy 1986

Arriving as defending champions, Italy emerged from the group stage unbeaten, showing resilience in a tough opening round. In the knockout rounds, they fell to France in the Round of 16. France proved to be a step too far, and Italy's campaign came to a decisive end in the the last 16.

1986 campaign
0 matches played

1won2drawn1lost

5scored6conceded

Just 1 win in 4 matches.

Top Scorer

Alessandro Altobelli

0 goals
18Forward

Alessandro Altobelli led Italy's attack with 4 goals at the 1986 World Cup. A striker who set the tone early, with goals before the 20th minute that put opponents on the back foot.

Discipline
0 cards

8yellow

2.0per match

Bergomi booked twice no red cards despite the yellow count.

Head Coach

Enzo Bearzot

Italian · 1975 – 1986

The tactical mind behind Italy's 1986 campaign. In charge for 3 consecutive World Cups 18 World Cup matches managed in total.

Playing Style

The Azzurri Army

Tactical identity · 1986

Italy employed an attacking style, often taking on opposing defenders with their quick passing and movement. Their formation was primarily focused on counter-attacks to catch opponents off guard.

Goalkeepers

1
Giovanni Galli
4GAMES
GK
12
Franco Tancredi
GK
22
Walter Zenga
GK

Defenders

2
Giuseppe Bergomi
3GAMES
RB
3
Antonio Cabrini
4GAMES
LB
4
Fulvio Collovati
1GAME
CB
5
Sebastiano Nela
CB
6
Gaetano Scirea
4GAMES
CB
7
Roberto Tricella
CB
8
Pietro Vierchowod
4GAMES
CB

Midfielders

9
Carlo Ancelotti
CM
10
Salvatore Bagni
4GAMES
LM
11
Giuseppe Baresi
3GAMES
CM
13
Fernando De Napoli
4GAMES
CM
14
Antonio Di Gennaro
4GAMES
RM
15
Marco Tardelli
CM
16
Bruno Conti
4GAMES
CM

Forwards

17
Gianluca Vialli
4GAMES
CF
18
Alessandro Altobelli
4GAMES4GOALS
LW
19
Giuseppe Galderisi
4GAMES
RW
20
Paolo Rossi
CF
21
Aldo Serena
CF
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