In Group E, Italy was the favorite. Italy's defeat in the first game against Ireland (0-1) was an immediate surprise. In the further course of the encounters, the teams, which included Norway and Mexico, neutralized each other, with each team earning a win, a draw and a defeat. The four finished the group tied, with Norway finishing fourth due to fewer goals scored and eliminated. Mexico won the group ahead of Ireland and Italy, which meant the three teams made it to the round of 16.
The up to then three-time world champions Italy asserted themselves in the round of 16 against the Nigerians who were leading until shortly before the final whistle of regular time. Amuneke had put Nigeria in the lead in the 26th minute, which lasted until the 89th minute. Then Roberto met Baggio. First he managed to equalize, then Italy's attacker scored 2-1 in extra time with a penalty kick. Nigeria missed several good opportunities during the game.
The Italians also prevailed in the quarter-finals. The outcome of the game was open for a long time. Dino Baggio (26th) for Italy and Camino (59th) for Spain had scored the interim goals to make it 1-1, before Roberto Baggio scored the final score for Azzurri in the 88th minute with his 2-1 and moved into Semi-finals.
Two goals from Roberto Baggio were enough for the Italians to win the 2-1 semi-final against Bulgaria, which defending champions Germany had defeated but failed to match their performance in the quarter-finals. Hristo Stoitchkov managed to score a penalty goal, but the defensively strong Italians held their lead until the final whistle.
The final between Brazil and Italy was characterized by very strong defensive tactics by the Italians, who apparently speculated from the outset on a penalty shoot-out against the technically very strong Brazilians. After no goal was scored during regular time and the following overtime, the Brazilians had better nerves on penalties. Experienced players such as Baresi, Massaro and Roberto Baggio, whose penalty went over Taffarel's goal, failed in their attempt to bring the world title to Italy for the fourth time. While Marcio Santos missed the Brazilians' first penalty, Romario, Branco and Dunga scored and secured the 3-2 win for the Brazilian selection.