As three-time champions, Italy needed no introduction at the 1998 World Cup. Under Cesare Maldini, they were ready to write the next chapter.
Italy showed enough quality to navigate the group stage, but their campaign ended in the knockout rounds before the latter stages. With 8 goals in 5 games, they carried a consistent attacking threat throughout. They went the entire tournament unbeaten, a testament to their resolve.
Italy emerged from the group stage unbeaten, showing resilience in a tough opening round. They edged past Norway in the Round of 16, and were eliminated by France on penalties in the Quarter-finals. The agony of a penalty shootout defeat against France brought a cruel end to a campaign that had promised so much more.
3won2drawn
8scored3conceded
Unbeaten throughout kept 3 clean sheets.
Christian Vieri led Italy's attack with 5 goals 4 in the group stage and 1 in the round of 16 at the 1998 World Cup. A specialist in decisive moments, with goals in the closing stages that changed the course of matches.
Conceded in only 2 of 5 matches
The tactical mind behind Italy's 1998 campaign. Unbeaten under Maldini leading Italy at his first World Cup.
Italy employed a defensive-minded approach, relying on their experienced squad and clever positioning to neutralize opponents. Despite this strategy, they were unable to break down France's solid defense.
