Italians conquest to retain the title

The World Cup is a wonderful competition. It's always tightly contested and a lot of team is frame for the win. In history, there have only been two teams, who've managed to retain their title. That amazing Brazilian side in the 60' lead by Pelé in (1958 & 1962) and by Italy in 1934 and 1938. These were the Italians first World Cup wins. They won their 4th in Germany 2006, can they make it five in South Africa?

Italy has always been a team of great performances in great tournaments. Since the beginning of 90's, they qualified for 9 out of 10 major tournaments and their record is impressive. Five World Cup performances read 1 win, 1 second place, 1 third place and also 1 5th place. European Championships have always been more difficult, with shock results, but they still made the final in 2000 and finished 5th in 2008, after getting dumped out by the eventual winners Spain.

There's a big problems with the international team, and also some club sides. Generational change is slow to come. The average age of the current Italy side is near 30. And while experience is no doubt a essential thing to have for a good footballer, you'd have to wonder if balance wise, it wouldn't be better to have some more younger players involved.

Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta, who made their debuts in 1997 are still playing key roles in defence. Along them, Gianluigi Buffon and Filippo Inzaghi were also involved in France 1998. Players like Sebastian Giovinco and Davide Santon, who are one of the most talented young players to come out of Italy, have tough time getting selected for the international team, as well as their club sides, Juventus and Inter respectively.

This probably down to that Italy have always been more of tactical side, than a attractive one. Since 2004, Italy have only won 3 matches by more than 2 goals. Low scoring matches make up a majority, though in recent times under Marcello Lippi and Roberto Donadoni, it's showing signs of improvement.

Lippi delivered the World Cup title in 2006 and he's also in charge now. The former midfielder, who turns 62 in April, has a lot of experience and delivered silverware where ever he's been. Lippi is a avid supporter of the idea of having a good team spirit to achieve success. That might be the cause why the side has changed so little with time. And it might not be a bad thing, but it is still uncertain if it will lead to the similar success of Germany 2006 or the failure of Confederations Cup 2009.