For a nation that has lifted the World Cup four times, Italy's absence from the tournament in recent years remains one of football's biggest surprises.
The Azzurri have not played a World Cup match since June 24, 2014.
Despite winning Euro 2020 and continuing to produce world-class players, Italy failed to qualify for both the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups.
That means one team holds a unique place in football history.
The side that faced Uruguay in Brazil remains Italy's last World Cup starting XI.
But how many players can you remember?
Italy's Final World Cup Appearance
Italy arrived at the 2014 FIFA World Cup looking to make another deep run in the tournament.
Cesare Prandelli's side opened with an impressive 2-1 victory over England before suffering a shock 1-0 defeat against Costa Rica.
That left everything resting on the final Group D match against Uruguay.
A draw would have been enough to send Italy through to the knockout stages.
Instead, the Azzurri fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat, with Diego GodÃn scoring the winning goal late in the game.
The match would also become infamous for Luis Suárez's bite on Giorgio Chiellini, one of the most controversial moments in World Cup history.
At the time, it felt like a disappointing group-stage exit.
Few could have imagined it would become Italy's last World Cup match for more than a decade.
The Challenge
Can you name the eleven players who started Italy's last World Cup match?
The lineup featured World Cup winners, future European champions, legendary defenders and some of the most recognisable names in Italian football.
Some should come to mind instantly.
Others may take a little more thought.
Test your memory and see if you can complete the entire XI.
A Team Packed With Experience
Looking back, this was a squad filled with quality.
The legendary Gianluigi Buffon captained the side, while the famous Juventus defensive trio of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini provided a familiar backbone.
In midfield, Andrea Pirlo was still orchestrating games with his trademark vision and passing, supported by Claudio Marchisio and a young Marco Verratti.
Up front, Mario Balotelli and Ciro Immobile led the attack.
It was a blend of established stars and players expected to lead the next generation.
Where Are They Now?
One reason this lineup is so fascinating is how it captures a specific moment in Italian football history.
Several players from this team would later help Italy win Euro 2020, while others were approaching the final chapters of remarkable careers.
Buffon, Pirlo, Barzagli and Chiellini had already become legends of the game.
Meanwhile, Verratti, Immobile, Darmian and De Sciglio represented the future.
Looking back now, the lineup feels like a bridge between two eras.
Why This XI Matters
Many famous national teams are remembered for what they achieved.
This one is remembered because of what followed.
Since that afternoon in Natal, Italy have watched two World Cups from home.
For one of football's most successful nations, that remains almost impossible to believe.
As a result, this lineup has become more than just another starting XI.
It is the last Italian team to walk onto a World Cup pitch.
A snapshot frozen in time.