Vito Mannone on Italy
My World Cup: Italy keeper Vito Mannone
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Welcome to our pre-tournament series on Arsenal.com - My World Cup.
In the weeks leading up to this summer's Finals in South Africa we've been bringing you the views of the Arsenal players - some who will be involved, and some who won't.
The cosmopolitan nature of Arsène Wenger's squad means they have a wide range of memories from football's most famous competition. In today's instalment, Vito Mannone reflects on Italy's fortunes.
My first memory of Italy at the World Cup is…
"My first memory was USA 1994, the Final when Roberto Baggio missed the last penalty in the shoot-out. It was sad but it was a good Final. I had a great passion when I was a child. I was born in 1988 so I was six years old."
Our best World Cup was...
"I would say 2006 or maybe 1982 when we won as well. That was a great team. We beat West Germany in the Final."
My country’s outstanding World Cup game was...
"It would be the Final against France in 2006 or maybe the Semi-Final against Germany. A historical one would be against Germany in 1982 when we won the Final. I saw the 2006 Final with friends in London but I watched the rest of the tournament in Italy."
Our most memorable individual performance at the World Cup was...
"I would talk about a keeper, so Buffon. He was amazing in 2006 and was nominated the best goalkeeper of the tournament."
My favourite World Cup tournament was...
"I would say Mexico 1986. I am sorry for the English people but everyone remembers Maradona and that amazing goal. It was a great tournament."
My most memorable game overall is...
"We have played many times against Brazil and it has always been good. We have won four and they have won five."
I think my country is better than Brazil because...
"We are tougher."
[Tuesday, June 08, 2010]
