On Sunday July 9, 2006 Italy faced off against France for the World Cup Finals in Berlin, Germany. The Azzurri's and France both World Cup champions took the pitch at 2:00pm. Which team captain would raise the Champions trophy at the end of the match Zindane or Cannavarro. The Italian and French both European powerhouses played a hard fought match for 120 minutes. The Azzurri's came out focused and kept pressure on the French defense. Marco Lippi the coach of the Italy kept the team unified although many distractions from game fixing scandals back home. In the 7th minute Materazzi was called for a take down inside the eighteen and Zidane set up the penalty shot. Buffon drove to the right and Zindane chip the ball under the crossbar and France took the lead 1-0. The Italians fans could not believe what had happened. The Arrurri focused on the set plays and were awarded a corner kick at the 20th minute. Pirlo floats the ball in front to the 7 yard line. Marco Materazzi heads home a line drive into the back of the net 1-1. The Azzurri started with a 4-5-1 formation with Luca Toni up top. The centerbacks Fabio Carnavaro and Marco Materazzi were amazing throughout the tournament. The two outside defensemen Gianluca Zambrotta and Fabio Grosso were both man of the match earlier in the competition. Gianluigi Buffon, the keeper was fabulous in the group stage. The midfielders Francesco Totti, Andrea Pirlo, Simone Perrota, Mauro Cannerovesi and the stopper Genaro Gattuso put together some fine passing and skillful moves on the pitch. In the second half France tightened up the coverage and shutdown the Italians.

The second half belong to the French crisp passing and better passing combinations. The Italians masters of the set plays Pirlo chip the ball to Toni who headed it in. Only to have the linesman call offsides and call it back. A hard fought match with limited opportunities due to the solid defense on both sides. Del Piero Juaquinta and De Rossi were substituted for Totti, Perrotta and Carnevoresi. Regulation time ended in a tie 1-1.

After fifteen minute of overtime the French were threatening and Ribery shoots inside the eighteen wide of the net. Zindane head butts Materazzi and the referee ejects the superstar. France is playing a man down with 13 minutes left in the match. The French national team dominated the game in over time. The game was to be decided by penalty kicks. France beat Italy in the European Championship on penalty shots. Italy with three World Cup titles has never won on penalty kicks. Pirlo, Materazzi, De Rossi, Del Piero and Fabio Grosso all scored. Italy celebrated a 5-3 win on penalty kicks and are crowned the World Cup Winners for the fourth time. Zindane last game will be remembered by him losing his cool and possibly costing his team the Cup. The Azzurri's played stronger as the tournament progressed and were 6-0-1 for the competition.

The final game brought me and my family tears of joy and happiness. Red white and green flags are still waving outside my home. After the game we joined a carvan of cars and SUV's circling Garden City and neighboring towns honking and screaming Forza Italia. Around the world and in Brooklyn 18th Avenue was closed off in Italy factories workers declared a week of partying with a heroes parade for the players later in the week. Marco Lippi, the Italian coach was masterful and motivated his team to victory. Italy showed the world defense wins Championships. The Fodera's are proud to be Italian Americans. Italia Capoines Del Mundo- Italy World Champions.