Italy’s Defensive Masterclass at the 2002 World Cup

Italy arrived at the 2002 World Cup as one of the favorites. Two years earlier, they had come within seconds of winning Euro 2000, before France equalized late and won through Treseguet's golden goal. Now coached by the legendary Giovanni Trapattoni, Italy had another generation packed with world-class talent. Just look at the five men at the back protecting Italy's goal. Buffon, Panucci, Cannavaro, Nesta and Maldini. An incredible amount of experience. But these players weren't only just defenders, they also had the quality and composure to play out from the back. In attack, the idea was very clear, get the ball to Totti and let him find Vieri. Panucci spots Totti, making a run into the right channel. And Vieri is there to finish it. You can already tell that Totti is in the mood. Ecuador are giving him far too much space to turn and supply Vieri. They're also struggling badly with Vieri's physical presence. Ecuador finally find some space on the break. Cannavaro was only 5'9", but he was excellent in the air. A small nudge is sometimes all you need to make an opponent miss the header. Totti was crucial to this scene. He could supply Vieri, but he could also carry Italy up the field and win fouls to relieve pressure. Di Biagio immediately sees Vieri's run, and Vieri does what Vieri does best, uses his strength to bully the defenders and finishes the chance. I've spoken about him before on this channel, but Di Biagio was seriously underrated. Ecuador immediately tries to respond. Vieri appears to have found the gap between Ecuador's right back and the right centre back. And he makes that run again. Totti makes another run into the right channel. The cross only reaches the defence. A solid, crunching tackle from Maldini. He has been kept busy with Ecuador focusing most of their attacks down his side. The distance is ridiculous, but when Totti stands over the ball, you know he's going to try. Halftime and Italy comfortably lead 2-0. The second half begins, and it's business as usual for Alessandro Nesta. Excellent work from Maldini, he wins both challenges there. Zambrotta shows exactly how a classic winger should play. First by beating whoever's pressing him, and then by delivering a dangerous cross towards Totti. Top concentration from Maldini to recognize the danger. Once again, pure class from Paolo. One turn takes him away from the pressure before he finds his teammate. Here Maldini is beaten by Ecuador's right back, Ulises de la Cruz. Cannavaro reads the danger though, and moves to block the cross. Watch Maldini's positioning. He leaves enough distance to react, and then steps in as soon as his opposition player takes a heavy touch. Totti drags the defenders towards him and creates the space for Vieri to shoot. Maldini's having a spectacular second half. Wonderful defending from Nesta to stop the counterattack. Gattuso now comes on to help Italy protect their lead. Watch Maldini here, he constantly checks his surroundings and never loses concentration. That's why he's ready to make the interception. Now it's Alessandro Del Piero's turn to replace Totti. What a substitution to have available. A world class number 10 replacing another world class number 10. When Maldini and Cannavaro are not enough, Gattuso is there to provide another layer of protection. Fantastic wing play from Zambrotta to find Vieri inside the box. Del Piero produces a beautiful lob to find Zambrotta, he just can't bring it under control. For once, Italy fail to react to the danger in time. That's why you have Buffon, to make an incredible one on one save. Zambrotta forces the mistake and delivers another excellent cross. Italy close out the game with a professional 2-0 win. It looks like the beginning of a serious World Cup challenge, but after finishing second in their group, Italy were eliminated by co-hosts South Korea in a very famous and dramatic round of 16 match.