​It has been twenty years since Italy claimed its fourth World Cup title in Berlin, and on the anniversary, many of the Italian stars are looking back at the moment they reached the pinnacle of the sport. The final itself pitted Italy against France in a tense, back-and-forth duel that ultimately went to a penalty shootout to decide the winner. In the closing minutes of extra time, France had to continue with ten men after captain Zinedine Zidane was sent off in the 110th minute for headbutting Marco Materazzi. Fabio Grosso, the tournament’s breakout hero, buried the decisive penalty to seal Italy’s World Cup triumph. The victory capped off a remarkable campaign in which Italy conceded only two goals, a stat that becomes even more impressive when you consider that the only goals allowed were an own goal and a penalty. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon didn’t concede a single goal from open play throughout the tournament.
The 2006 World Cup-winning squad forged a strong bond through the shared experience of triumph. Each member of that team has since become a beloved figure in Italian soccer for his contributions and heroic performances. Gianluca Zambrotta, the defender, reflected on the victory as an unforgettable milestone in both his life and career. “It was a tremendous joy, obviously, and it’s something that I remember every day,” Zambrotta told The Game Plan. “It’s something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.” Marco Materazzi, who had equalized in the first half, recalled that day with warmth years later. “Twenty years later, I returned to Berlin. The stairs, the corner of my goal, the penalty spot, it’s all still there,” he wrote on Instagram. “The greatest day of my life. July 9, 2006. It feels like yesterday.”
Fabio Cannavaro, who captained the side, shared a clip on Instagram with a caption that paid homage to the achievement: “Twenty years ago today. Always.” Andrea Pirlo echoed the sentiment online, simply writing, “Finish what you started. Campioni del Mondo.” Alessandro Del Piero joined in with a brief, heartfelt message: “Finish what you started. Campioni del Mondo.” Gianluigi Buffon, the legendary goalkeeper, offered a contemplative tribute to his teammates and the nation, expressing pride in what they accomplished together. He wrote: “There are days that don’t belong only to those who lived them. They belong to an entire nation. July 9, 2006, is one of those days. Twenty years later, that memory remains as powerful: the embrace of an extraordinary team, the joy of millions of Italians, the pride of wearing that shirt and writing a page of history together.”
Buffon also acknowledged Italy’s recent shortcomings, but he stressed that his support for the Azzurri has never wavered. “Our love for the Azzurri never changes, and it never fades. It’s a bond that endures for the better,” he affirmed. This sentiment underscores the enduring affection and pride that the 2006 squad continues to inspire within Italy’s football culture. As the anniversary year rolls on, the memories remain vivid: the dramatic final, the disciplined defense, the youthful star power, and the unbreakable belief that carried Italy to its fourth world title.
For fans and players alike, July 9, 2006, stands as a defining chapter in Italian sport—one that resonates with the entire nation, reminding everyone of the power of unity, perseverance, and sportsmanship. The legacy of that squad extends beyond the trophy cabinet; it lives on in the generations of players who aspired to, and achieved, greatness on the world’s biggest stage.