Italy’s last World Cup play-off took place 20 years ago – with a certain Gianluigi Buffon making his debut.
Giampiero Ventura’s side were today drawn against Sweden in the play-offs to reach next summer’s World Cup, a process successfully negotiated by Cesare Maldini’s men in 1997.
The Azzurri had finished a point behind England in Group 2 of UEFA qualification, which meant they were forced to negotiate a play-off round.
Italy’s last World Cup play-off took place 20 years ago – with a certain Gianluigi Buffon making his debut.
Giampiero Ventura’s side were today drawn against Sweden in the play-offs to reach next summer’s World Cup, a process successfully negotiated by Cesare Maldini’s men in 1997.
The Azzurri had finished a point behind England in Group 2 of UEFA qualification, which meant they were forced to negotiate a play-off round.
Italy were drawn against Russia, with the first leg to be played at Moscow’s Dynamo Stadium on October 29, 1997.
Just over half an hour into a freezing match in the Russian snow, goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca was forced off with an injury.
Maldini turned to 19-year-old Parma goalkeeper Buffon, who became the youngest ‘keeper to represent the Azzurri since the Second World War, a record since beaten by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Though he was beaten by a Fabio Cannavaro own goal, Buffon made several fine saves and Christian Vieri’s strike ensure the Azzurri went back to Italy with a 1-1 draw.
A Pierluigi Casiraghi goal assured Italy of a place France ’98, and though Angelo Peruzzi played in that match, Buffon’s performance in the first leg was credited with preventing a disastrous failure to qualify.