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.
1. The team arrives
Italian players arriving in the North East for the 1966 World Cup. Photo: se
2. An autograph for a fan
Paolo Barison signs an autograph on the back of Stuart Graham, 11. Photo: se
3. Flagging up the memories
Sunderland buses flying the flags of the visiting countries including Italy. Photo: se
4. Passionate support from the Italians
Hundreds of Italians surged through Sunderland in July 1966, waving flags, blowing horns, shaking rattles and shouting slogans. Photo: se