Cristian Zaccardo looks back on Italy’s triumphant 2006 World Cup campaign in an exclusive interview, including that own goal. “I can joke about it now.”
The Carpi defender spoke to Football-Italia.net about the high point in recent Azzurri history.
“The atmosphere before the World Cup was a little delicate, considering the scandal that had erupted around Juventus, who were then demoted.
Cristian Zaccardo looks back on Italy’s triumphant 2006 World Cup campaign in an exclusive interview, including that own goal. “I can joke about it now.”
The Carpi defender spoke to Football-Italia.net about the high point in recent Azzurri history.
“The atmosphere before the World Cup was a little delicate, considering the scandal that had erupted around Juventus, who were then demoted.
“There were people who supported us, but also those who were protesting, and they were not the ideal conditions to be going to Germany, considering the huge tension.
“We knew that we were a good group of players, but on paper there were teams that could seem stronger than us.”
Gianluigi Buffon conceded only one goal from open play in that World Cup and it was scored by his teammate Zaccardo, shinning in a corner for the 1-1 draw with the USA.
“Now that so much time has passed, I can joke about it. The unexpected is always around the corner in football, like missing a penalty or scoring an own goal you’d never done until that day.
“In the end it didn’t influence anything, seeing as we went on to become world champions. I’d quite happily score an own goal again to achieve such an important victory.
“At the start Buffon and I used to joke about it, but that was 10 years ago now and we barely even remember it.”
Antonio Conte has already said he’s leaving Italy to join Chelsea after Euro 2016. Marcello Lippi had decided to quit the Azzurri going into the 2006 World Cup, so how did that affect the players?
“We didn’t know for sure, but it was possible to guess what was happening,” replied Zaccardo.
“Leaving after such a prestigious victory was perhaps the best thing. Players are professionals and first of all play for the Nazionale, so despite the disappointment to lose a well-prepared Coach like Conte, they will give their all at the Euros.
“They will certainly be concentrated on the present to try and reach the highest target, which would be the Final. That has to be the ambition for an important side like the Azzurri.”