The team will receive their honors from Italian president Giorgio Napolitano in Rome on Monday.

    The Cavaliere Ufficiale, or Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, was instituted in 1951 and is given to individuals for distinguished services for their country.

    Italy claimed the World Cup for a fourth time by beating France 5-3 on penalties in July after the Berlin final had ended in a 1-1 draw.

    Related: 2006 FIFA World Cup

    Pirlo named Man of Match in World Cup final

    BERLIN, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo was named Man of the Match in the 2006 World Cup final here on Sunday.

    Italy beat France 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in fulltime.

    Pirlo, 27, played a key role in the Italian attacking and defense and sent the first penalty shot home for Italy.

    Night of wild celebrations for Azzurri's 4th World Cup

    ROME, July 10 (Xinhua) -- After a night of wild celebrations, Italy is preparing to welcome home the Azzurri heroes who gave the country its fourth World Cup Sunday.

    "It's All True - Champions of the World," read Monday's front-page headline of sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport, above a photo of captain Fabio Cannavaro holding high the sport's most sought-after trophy .

    "The Italy of Champions," declared Milan-based daily Corriere della Sera.

    Italy break penalty jinx to win World Cup title

    BERLIN, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Italy broke their penalty jinx here on Sunday, winning 5-3 on shootout over France for their fourth World Cup triumph after tying 1-1 in 120 minutes.

    It's the first world title for Azzurri in 24 years after they last lifted the trophy in 1982, though the Italian side entered Sunday's match with a formidable resume featuring three World Cup titles and five appearances in the final.

    "I have to say thanks to the players. This is the most satisfying moment of my life," said Italian coach Marcello Lippi.