1968 European Championship Final - Italy vs Yugoslavia

Lore & Background

The final ended in a 1–1 draw after extra time, and the rules of the time required the match to be replayed a few days later. This would be the only time the final of the European Championship or World Cup was replayed. On 10 June 1968, Italy won the replay 2–0 (with goals from Gigi Riva and Pietro Anastasi) to take the trophy.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Stadio Olimpico was thick with humidity and anticipation on that September evening. Thousands of fans in blue shirts pressed against the barriers, their collective breath held as the referee prepared for kickoff. Dino Zoff stood tall between the posts, eyes scanning the penalty area, while Luigi Riva tightened his laces one last time. The weight of a nation rested on their shoulders. When the first goal finally broke the deadlock, the roar that erupted from the stands was not just sound; it was history being written in real-time.

Reader's Guide

Italy's victory in the 1968 European Championship marked their first major tournament win since the 1938 World Cup. The team was captained by Giacinto Facchetti.

Did You Know?

• Italy won the 1968 European Championship in its first participation in the tournament.
• The 1968 final was replayed after a 1–1 draw, the only time a European Championship or World Cup final has been replayed.
• Gigi Riva and Pietro Anastasi scored the goals in the 2–0 replay victory.

The Historic 1968 Triumph

In 1968, the Italian national team achieved a monumental milestone by securing their first major trophy since the 1938 World Cup victory. Hosting the inaugural European Championship on home soil, Italy faced Yugoslavia in the final match held in Rome. The contest proved to be an intensely competitive affair that concluded with a 1–1 draw even after extra time was played. Under the tournament rules of that era, such a deadlock necessitated a replay rather than a penalty shootout or golden goal system. This unique circumstance forced both nations to meet again for a decisive conclusion, highlighting the dramatic and unpredictable nature of early international football competitions. Ultimately, Italy emerged victorious in this historic sequence, claiming the European title and restoring their status as a dominant force on the global stage after decades of rebuilding following the tragic Superga air disaster.

The Path Through Reconstruction

Following the devastating 1949 Superga plane crash that claimed the lives of ten players from the Torino club, Italy's national team entered a prolonged period of struggle and reconstruction. The squad was severely weakened for the 1950 World Cup, leading to an early exit in the first round, while subsequent tournaments in 1954 and 1962 saw similar disappointing results where they failed to advance past the initial stages. The team's fortunes did not improve significantly during this era; they missed qualification entirely for the 1958 World Cup after a narrow defeat to Northern Ireland. Furthermore, Italy was absent from the first European Championship in 1960 and was eliminated early in qualifying for the 1964 edition. A particularly humiliating moment occurred at the 1966 World Cup, where favorites featuring stars like Gianni Rivera were shockingly knocked out by semi-professional North Korea, resulting in a public backlash upon their return to Italy.

A Legacy of Blue Excellence

Known affectionately as 'gli Azzurri' or the Blues due to the traditional Savoy blue colors representing the royal House of Savoy, the Italian national team boasts one of the most decorated histories in international football. Controlled by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and based at the technical headquarters in Florence, the team has secured four World Cup titles, including a unique back-to-back achievement in 1934 and 1938 that remains unmatched due to the interruption of World War II. Beyond their global success, Italy has also claimed two European Championships, with the 1968 victory marking their first continental triumph. Their competitive record includes multiple Olympic medals and Central European International Cup victories, establishing a long-standing rivalry with footballing giants such as Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, and England throughout the decades.

Modern Fluctuations and Rankings

Despite its storied past, Italy has experienced significant volatility in recent years regarding international qualification and global standing. The team held the record for the longest unbeaten run in competitive men's international football with 37 matches between late 2018 and September 2021, a streak eventually surpassed by Spain. However, this period of consistency was followed by a historic drought; Italy failed to qualify for the World Cups in 2018, 2022, and 2026, marking their longest absence from the tournament since the 1958 edition. In terms of FIFA rankings, which began in August 1993, Italy has occupied the top spot multiple times but hit a low point by dropping to 21st place in August 2018. Currently sitting at 15th, the team continues to navigate the challenges of maintaining its elite status amidst fierce competition from emerging and established nations.