Following the success of England's rag-tag squad of old-timers, Italy decided to try and get in on the action. Out of retirement came Vieri, Baggio, Vialli, Maldini, Donadoni, Schillaci, Baresi, and out of the tournament went Italy.
They still had their footballing skills but it seems that with age, they had lost their ability to cheat. Gone were the niggly fouls, time-wasting, ref hounding and rough-housing of any skilful players on the opposite side. These are essential skills for any Italian team, so it was no surprise when they ended the tournament in last place, below even New Zealand.
There was even a point when Franco Baresi kicked the ball out for a throw, and didn't appeal for the throw to be given his way. How the mighty have fallen.
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