- 1990 Bag
- Squad Players: Roberto Mancini, Roberto Baggio, Gianluca Vialli
- Brand: Diadora
- Sponsor: -
During the home World Cup, Italy was anticipating its fourth world title. The Italian league was highly regarded, with stars like Diego Maradona and Marco van Basten, and Italian players were dominant. All three European Cup winners of the 1989-90 season were Italian teams. In their first match against Austria, coach Azeglio Vicini started Gianluca Vialli and Andrea Carnevale up front. Despite numerous chances, no goals were scored until substitute Salvatore Schillaci headed in the winner. After a lackluster win over the United States, Vicini switched to Schillaci and rising star Roberto Baggio, who both scored in the final group game against Czechoslovakia. Baggio's goal, a long dribble, was later voted the most beautiful of the tournament.
In the knockout stages, Schillaci continued to shine, scoring in victories over Uruguay and Ireland. The semi-final against Argentina took place in Naples, Maradona's home ground, leading to a divided city. Vicini controversially replaced Baggio with Vialli, who had little impact. Schillaci opened the scoring, but Argentina equalized in the second half after a mistake by goalkeeper Walter Zenga. The match turned into a physical battle, particularly after Ricardo Giusti was sent off. In the penalty shootout, Roberto Donadoni and Aldo Serena missed, and Italy missed out on the final.
Italy ultimately finished third after defeating England, but the disappointment was palpable. Schillaci was the tournament's top scorer with six goals, though he would only score once more for Italy and faded from prominence at his club.
