England – Bobby Charlton, Geoff Hurst, Nobby Stiles and all – became World Champions in that famous Wembley match in 1966.
But earlier in the tournament, the Italians came to Sunderland where they played group matches at Roker Park.
Who remembers the fans cheering in the streets, and the team playing on Wearside?
Re-live those memories with these Sunderland Echo archive photos.
5. Taking a look round
The Italian football team training at Roker Park in July 1966. Did you get to see them? Photo: Sunderland Echo
6. Time for a photo
The whole Italian team lines up for a photo on the Roker Park pitch. Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. Match day and it's busy
The scene outside Roker Park before the kick off between Italy and Chile. Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. Goalmouth action
An anxious moment in the Italian goalmouth following a Russian free kick. Malofeev has the ball at his feet but the effort petered out. The Russians went on to win 1-0. Photo: Sunderland Echo