On this day in 2006, Luca Toni struck twice as Italy beat Ukraine 3-0 to reach the World Cup semi-final.

Having come through a nervy final group game with the Czech Republic, the Azzurri defeated 10-man Australia in the Last 16.

Fabio Grosso went down rather theatrically under Lucas Neill’s challenge, and Francesco Totti converted with the last kick of the game.

That set up a tie with Andriy Shevchenko’s Ukraine in Hamburg, and it took Marcello Lippi’s men just six minutes to break the deadlock.

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Alessandro Del Piero believes Italy “have everything we need” to win Euro 2016.

The former striker was part of the World Cup-winning side of 2006, scoring the second goal against Germany in the Semi-Final.

“Italy have everything we need,” Del Piero told Corriere della Sera.

“This is the most interesting game to deal with, if we could navigate past this iceberg it would open up some interesting scenarios.

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Italy defender Mattia De Sciglio expects a “harder, more difficult game” against Germany.

The Azzurri defeated Spain in the Last 16 of Euro 2016, but now face the world champions on Saturday, having lost 4-1 to them earlier this year.

“We’re trying to prepare in the best way, as we did against Spain,” De Sciglio said in a Press conference today.

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Cristian Zaccardo looks back on Italy’s triumphant 2006 World Cup campaign in an exclusive interview, including that own goal. “I can joke about it now.”

The Carpi defender spoke to Football-Italia.net about the high point in recent Azzurri history.

“The atmosphere before the World Cup was a little delicate, considering the scandal that had erupted around Juventus, who were then demoted.

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Fabio Cannavaro said he “will return” to the Nazionale one way or another and defended Antonio Conte’s Euro 2016 picks.

The former defender has been tipped for a management role with next Coach Giampiero Ventura and director Marcello Lippi.

“It is the duty of all tacticians to say yes when Italy calls,” Cannavaro told Canale 9.

“I had an important past with the Azzurri jersey. I don’t know when, but I do know I will return to Coverciano.”

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FIFA has launched an official investigation into alleged bribery in the bidding process for the 2006 World Cup.

Reports emerged last year that seemingly irregular payments had been made to assure Germany was awarded the World Cup ahead of South Africa.

The country won the right to host the tournament by 12 votes to 11, with Italy going on to win, beating France in the final.

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Reports in Germany claim bribes were paid to FIFA members to allow the country to host the 2006 World Cup.

The tournament was awarded to Germany ahead of South Africa, in what was a surprise move, with Italy going on to win the tournament, beating France in the final.

Der Spiegel alleges that a slush fund was set up by the bidding committee, which was financed by then-Adidas CEO Robert Louis-Dreyfus, to the tune of around €9m.

Dreyfus, the magazine alleges, lent the money to the bidding committee, who never declared it in their budget.

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Alessandro Del Piero said Berlin’s Olympiastadion “will always be magical and hopefully even more special after tonight.”

The Juventus legend won the World Cup here with Italy in 2006, but his ex-teammates are facing Barcelona for the Champions League Final.

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