# @retro_calcio on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Da2Qdx5kWCJ
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/69875670-retro-calcio-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/de6cd0dd68.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-07-16T08:53:48.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Retro Calcio (@retro_calcio) — https://gondola.cc/retro_calcio

## Caption

Italy at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Arguably The most stacked Azzurri squad in modern history.

At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Italy fielded an absolute powerhouse of a roster. The legendary defensive trio of Maldini, Cannavaro, and Nesta stood in front of Buffon, while Totti, Del Piero, and Vieri led an elite attacking line. It was a selection constructed to lift the trophy.

Instead, the campaign ended in heartbreak and massive debate. After navigating Group G on the back of 4 goals from Christian Vieri, the Azzurri faced co-hosts South Korea in the Round of 16. What followed remains etched in football history: a saved penalty, crucial disallowed goals, a highly controversial second yellow card for Francesco Totti, and a dramatic 117th-minute golden goal that sent Italy home early.

Group G: Italy 2, Ecuador 0
Date: June 3, 2002
Italy Goalscorers: Christian Vieri (7', 27')
Match Summary: A comfortable opening victory in Sapporo, Japan, secured by a first-half brace from Vieri.

Group G: Italy 1, Croatia 2
Date: June 8, 2002
Italy Goalscorer: Christian Vieri (55')
Croatia Goalscorers: Ivica Olić (73'), Milan Rapaić (76')
Match Summary: Italy suffered a setback in Ibaraki, Japan, despite taking the lead through Vieri, compounded by two disallowed Italian goals during the match.

Group G: Italy 1, Mexico 1
Date: June 13, 2002
Mexico Goalscorer: Jared Borgetti (34')
Italy Goalscorer: Alessandro Del Piero (85')
Match Summary: A late header from substitute Del Piero in Ōita, Japan, rescued the crucial point needed to guarantee passage into the knockout rounds.

Round of 16: South Korea 2, Italy 1 (After Extra Time)
Date: June 18, 2002
Italy Goalscorer: Christian Vieri (18') 
South Korea Goalscorers: Seol Ki-hyeon (88'), Ahn Jung-hwan (117' golden goal)

#Azzurri 
Stacked?

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## Tags

azzurri

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