Italy 2014 FIFA World Cup Home JerseyThe Italian national soccer team is one of the most successful in the world. They have won the FIFA World Cup on 4 occasions. This is the 2nd highest number of wins behind Brazil, and more wins than any other European team. This year is another World Cup year, and the team wearing the Italy football shirt has been drawn into Group D, along with 2 other past World Cup champions.

This year's World Cup is being held in Brazil, as 5 time winners and host nation, Brasil is expected to win. However, each of the 32 competing teams would love to win this year's tournament. This is the 20th hosting of the biggest soccer tournament in the world, and Brazil is expected to put on a magnificent show. The Italy football shirt will appear in Brasil, but the road to the final will be much tougher than the qualifying stages.

Italy Qualify and Launch New World Cup Kit

The brand new Italy 2014 FIFA World Cup home jersey is now available for you to order at Soccer Box, but how did the team assure qualification? Italy as a European team was in the UEFA qualifying stages. They were drawn into Group B along with Malta, Armenia, Bulgaria, Denmark and Czech Republic. Of the 10 matches Italy won 6 and drew 4, many critics feel this was Italy's best ever qualifying campaign.

With 22 points, Italy easily finished top of their group and secured automatic qualification, as one of the 32 finalists for this summer's tournament. The Italy 2014 FIFA World Cup home jersey has been launched, ready for action.  This brand new, traditional blue jersey has been modernized with a smart button down collar. The Italy flag is stitched on the sleeves along with Puma logos. This is a shirt of champions, you can get yours now at Soccer Box.

The Italy crest features on the front of the Italy football shirt, within the crest are 4 stitched stars. These represent the 4 previous occasions that Italy won the World Cup in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006. They are not in the group of favorite teams to win this years competition but you can never rule the Azzurri out. After a terrible performance in South Africa, in 2010, the Italians are looking to win back some respect.

What Happened in 2010?

The last World Cup was held in South Africa, in 2010. Italy went into the tournament with hopes held high. The Italy football shirt remained popular following their 2006 victory, however, the hopes and dreams of back-to-back wins quickly tumbled around them. They didn't make it out of the group stages, actually finishing bottom of their group. The embarrassment and disappointment is sure to have molded a strong desire in the squad of 2014.

The manager, Cesare Prandelli is considering his options, and the 2014 squad will be announced in the coming months. Prandelli has announced that he will be leaving after the World Cup giving him and his team another reason to fight for the win; it is every manager's dream to finish on a high. The World Cup draw has thrown together some interesting combinations and Group D is one of them.

Tough Group of Champions Draw

Throughout the 20 World Cup tournaments only 8 different teams have lifted the trophy, 3 of those teams are together in Group D. Combined Italy, Uruguay and England have lifted 7 trophies over past tournaments, Group D has been dubbed the Group of Champions. The 4th team that completes the Group is Costa Rica. There is no outright favorite and the most recent win was Italy in 2006, but it is expected that Group D will be worth watching.

The Italy 2014 FIFA World Cup home jersey will be worn for the teams 1st match against England. In another tough twist for both sides, the game will be played in the stifling humidity of Manaus. No team wanted to make that 3,500 mile round trip from Rio de Janeiro. The travel and humidity is sure to impact upon the other group stage games for both teams.

Despite the difficulties, of the 4 teams Italy is expected to emerge as group winners. The team wearing the Italy football shirt cruised through qualifying in comparison to both England and Uruguay. Only a maximum of 2, out of the 3 former champions can progress to the knockout stages. With Italy as favorite, England and Uruguay will be fighting it out for 2nd place. But as with every soccer tournament there is no guarantees until the final whistle blows!

The Brand New Italy Football Shirt is Available Now at Soccer Box.