1938 World Cup Final: Italy 4-2 Hungary

Lore & Background

Italy achieved their second consecutive World Cup title in 1938, defeating Hungary 4–2 in the final. It is rumored that before the match, fascist Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini sent a telegram to the team saying 'Vincere o morire!' ('Win or die!'), but no record of such a telegram remains, and World Cup player Pietro Rava denied it, stating Mussolini sent a telegram wishing them well, not 'win or die'.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights had not yet been invented for evening matches, so the Colombes crowd watched under a pale June sun, the terraces a sea of white and red scarves. The air smelled of cut grass and cheap tobacco. In the Italian dressing room, Pozzo's voice was low, almost conversational, as he tapped the blackboard where the shape of Hungary's midfield was drawn in chalk. Meazza leaned against the bench, lacing his boots with the unhurried patience of a man who had already scored a hundred goals and would score a hundred more. Rava, smaller, quicker, said little. He never did. He simply nodded, pulled his cap low, and walked toward the tunnel. The roar that greeted them as they emerged was not quite a cheer; it was a held breath, the collective exhalation of a nation that had waited four years for permission to believe again. And then the ball was in the air, the first touch was Rava's, and the breath became a shout.

Reader's Guide

Italy won the 1938 World Cup under coach Vittorio Pozzo, with Giuseppe Meazza as a key player. The final was played in France (the host nation). Italy's goals came from Gino Colaussi (two) and Silvio Piola (two).

Did You Know?

• Italy became the first team to successfully defend the World Cup title, having also won in 1934.
• The 1938 final was the second of Italy's four World Cup victories (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006).
• The alleged Mussolini telegram 'Vincere o morire!' is not confirmed by any surviving record.