In Turin Greenwood gambled by playing the internationally inexperienced Nottingham Forest striker Birtles who was twice a

In Turin Greenwood gambled by playing the internationally inexperienced Nottingham Forest striker Birtles, who was twice a European Cup winner, but with Keegan tired after a long season in Germany and Francis absent, the cool authority of Wilkins was not enough. Twelve minutes from time Tardelli finished one of Italy’s more attractive moves in a performance that hinted at the growing influence of attacking, skilful midfielders through an outstanding display from Antognoni, provider of the winner.1990: Italy 2 England 1In a largely negative World Cup, Italy, the best team in the tournament, struggled to find support for the thrusting Schillaci, the competition’s top scorer with only six goals. England discovered too late that they had a good but appallingly treated manager in Bobby Robson. Italy lost in the semi-finals to the disappointing Argentina and neither they nor England had much spirit left for a third-place play-off.

It was Robson’s last match in charge and one England again lost to a late penalty (having also lost tearfully in a semi-final penalty shoot-out against Germany). Ironically, although of no significance, it was one of the most attractive games in the tournament. Shilton, playing his last international, first rescued England then gifted Baggio a goal Platt got a superb equaliser but Parker felled Schillaci England just knew they would lose to a penalty – and did.. He Is routinely described as the best defender in the world. Among his contemporaries, his admirers say, there is no competition.

Only figures of the stature of Beckenbauer or Moore are worthy of comparison. Yet Paolo Maldini goes into this week’s World Cup qualifier against England with something to prove. For everyone involved in the Italian national team, a new phase of evolution is under way, but of nobody is this more true than Italy’s captain and greatest ever left-back now that his father Cesare has taken over as coach from Arrigo Sacchi The nepotism question simply doesn’t arise Paolo’s right to be in the side is not in doubt. But it’s also the case that Maldini’s form – by his own impeccable standards – has been in a trough since before the start of the season, and that if Italy are to reclaim their place among football’s aristocracy then they need Maldini back to his princely best.
Part of the problem is that Maldini, still only 28, has been at the top for so long. He made his league debut for Milan at the age of 16, his international debut, against Yugoslavia in Split in 1989, when he was 19.