On This Day at the World Cup – June 18: Christian Vieri Makes History

Christian Vieri made history on this day in 2002 when he headed Italy in front against South Korea in their last-16 clash in Daejeon.

Vieri’s 18th-minute effort drew him level with Roberto Baggio and Paolo Rossi on nine World Cup goals – no Italian has scored more – but that was only a footnote of a dramatic evening against the tournament co-hosts.

South Korea drew level through Seol Ki-hyeon two minutes from time, before Vieri missed a glorious chance to restore Italy’s lead less than a minute later. Ecuadorian referee Byron Moreno then took centre stage in extra-time, sending off Francesco Totti after harshly booking the Roma star a second time for simulation, much to the dismay of Italy manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

Worse was to come for the Azzurri as Ahn Jung-hwan headed in a golden goal with three minutes left to send Italy home in anger.

It was Vieri’s last appearance at a World Cup. The most expensive player in the world when he swapped Lazio for Inter Milan for £32m, Vieri scored 142 goals in 264 Serie A appearances with seven different clubs, including both Milanese giants.

If you’re taking in a game in at San Siro, make sure to visit Osteria del Corso, a restaurant on Corso Garibaldi between the Brera and Moscova districts, which is Vieri’s favourite.

“It’s the best pasta in Italy,” he told Destination Calcio. “And if it’s the best pasta in Italy, it’s the best pasta in the world.”