During the 1996 period, the Italy national football team participated in various international competitions and friendly matches, showcasing their talent and competitive spirit. Here's an overview of their performance during that time, particularly focusing on their away matches:
UEFA Euro 1996:
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Italy competed in the UEFA Euro 1996 held in England. Led by manager Arrigo Sacchi, the team featured stars like Paolo Maldini, Roberto Baggio, and Gianfranco Zola.
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In the group stage, Italy was drawn into Group C alongside Germany, Czech Republic, and Russia. They performed reasonably well, finishing second in their group with one win, one draw, and one loss.
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In the knockout stage, Italy faced Germany in the semifinals. The match ended in a 0-0 draw after extra time, and Germany won 6-5 on penalties, eliminating Italy from the tournament.
Friendly Matches:
- In addition to their Euro 1996 campaign, Italy also participated in various friendly matches during the 1996 period. These matches provided opportunities for the team to test their tactics, try out different player combinations, and prepare for future competitive fixtures.
Legacy:
- While Italy's performance in the UEFA Euro 1996 did not result in a successful campaign, their participation provided valuable experience for the team and contributed to the development of football in the country. The lessons learned from competing in the tournament and friendly matches helped Italy refine their tactics and identify areas for improvement, laying the groundwork for future successes in international football.