Fresh from a string of poor pre-tournament performances, Italy kick-start their World Cup out of favour, but advance from the group stage with relative ease.

Italy face Australia, coached by Guus Hiddink, the manager who eliminated them in the previous World Cup, before receiving some shocking news ahead of the quarter final.

It's heartbreak for World Cup hosts Germany as Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero score deep into extra-time to secure Italy a spot in the final.

Italy get their hands on the World Cup as they see off France in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout following Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt.