Fabio Cannavaro held the 2006 FIFA World Cup up in the air proclaiming Italy’s fourth biggest football prize. Fireworks accompanied their celebration at the Olympiastadion after the Azzurri defeated France in the final match.
The match had many exciting moments, the most surprising of which was Zidane’s farewell to football with a red card, a dramatic and unexpected circumstance for the player and French fans as well. The penalty showdown delivered the Italians the title of champions after five effective spot-kicks, and Trezeguet’s miss for France. Fabio Grosso’s goal put Italy just one trophy behind the Brazilians as FIFA World Cup winners.
The French team had promised another success like the one they achieved in 1998, the last for their captain, Zidane, to retire after this championship. Surprisingly, the famous number 10 of France reacted violently against Marco Materazzi and hit the Italian player with his forehead in the chest, causing his expulsion.
In the end, Marcello Lippi’s team made Silvio Gazzaniga’s dream come true. The Italian sculptor who created the trophy wanted the Cup back home, and he will have it.
Fabio Cannavaro held the 2006 FIFA World Cup up in the air proclaiming Italy’s fourth biggest football prize. Fireworks accompanied their celebration at the Olympiastadion after the Azzurri defeated France in the final match.