On This Day at the World Cup – June 24: Italy Hopes Bite the Dust

June 24 represents the last time Italy kicked a ball at a World Cup – but even their shock exit in 2014 wasn’t the story of the day.

Cesare Prandelli’s men, after a 2-1 win over England and a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Costa Rica, merely needed to avoid defeat against Uruguay and spot in the last-16 was there’s in Brazil.

On the pitch in Natal, everything was going to plan until one of the World Cup’s most controversial moments unfolded with a little over 10 minutes remaining.

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini tussled with then-Liverpool striker Luis Suarez in the box, when the Uruguayan appeared to bite the Juventus man.

This wasn’t even the first time Suarez had done this on football field, but unbelievably the South American got away with his indiscretion – despite Chiellini showing off the teeth marks in his shoulder to Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez.

While Suarez was subsequently punished – including the longest ever international ban handed down to a footballer – it was of little consolation to Italy, who lost concentration and an 81st minute goal in the process, with Diego Godin scoring the only goal to send Prandelli’s men home.

A tough exit to swallow, no one would have predicted that come 2026, the Azzurri would still be waiting on a return to the greatest stage of them all.

Meanwhile, if you like, Suarez, fancy sinking your teeth into something from Turin, Destination Calcio has you covered with recommendations for a trip to the home of Juventus and Torino. There are few better places to sample than Ristorante Da Angelino – a firm favourite among Juve stars past and present.