Trivia and Facts-Part 4

1-During the 1994 World Cup Brazil’s entire defensive line was changed by the time of the final. Brazil’s manager Carlos Alberto Pareira’s starting defensive line consisted of Jorginho, Ricardo Gomes, Ricrado Rocha and Leonardo. Just before the start of the tournament Ricardo Gomes was injured and was replaced in the starting lineup by Marcio Santos. Ricardo Rocha was injured in the first match vs. Russia and was replaced for the remainder of the tournament by Aldair.

Leonardo was sent off in the second round for elbowing USA’s Tab Ramos.

He was suspended for the rest of the tournament and was replaced by Branco.

Finally during the final match itself vs. italy Jorginho was injured and was replaced by cafu.

Cafu went on to play the 1998 and 2002 World Cup Final matches as well and became the only player to play 3 straight World Cup Final matches.

Brazil Lineup prior to the final vs Italy (July 17, 1994)

2-During the 1978 World Cup match between Italy and Hungary on June 6, 1978 (Italy 3-Hungary 1), Italian Roberto Bettega hit the post 3 times.

He did score once in the match.

Photo From: Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983

(Bettega scoring vs, Argentina during 1978 World Cup)

3- The 1996 UEFA European Championships was the first Tournament that Italy took part in with not a single Internazionale FC Milano player in the squad.

Photo from:Onze-Mondial, July 1996

(Italy’s Roberto Donadoni -June 14, 1996 UEFA Euro Championship Czech Republic 2-Italy 1)

4-Italian manager Fabio Capello has won league titles with the three teams that he played as a player (Juventus, Roma and AC Milan).

He led AC Milan to titles in 1992, 1993 ,1994 and 1996. He managed Roma to the 2001 League title. He led Juventus to titles in 2005 and 2006.

The Juventus titles were revoked because of the 2006 Calciopoli scandal.

Photo from: World Soccer, June 1993

(Fabio Capello, 1992/93)

5- During the summer of 1995, Italian Serie A club Lazio had agreed to sell their striker Giuseppe Signori to AC Parma for a significant sum.

However, after Lazio fans protested violently the deal was cancelled.

Photo from: World Soccer, March 1993

(Giuseppe Signori, in action with Lazio during 1992/93 season)