Uruguay chose not to defend their title on Italian soil - repaying the Italians' snub four years previously - but there were still 32 initial entrants.

A qualifying tournament was staged to reduce the number to 16 ahead of the final tournament and even hosts Italy had to qualify, which they did by beating Greece.

There were no seeds in the finals which were organised on a straight knockout basis and 12 of the 16 finalists were from Europe.

Brazil and Argentina flew the flag for South America but both were knocked out in the first round - the Brazilians losing 3-1 to Spain and Argentina going down 3-2 to Sweden.

The quarter finals were an all-European affair and produced two bruising encounters.

Italy and Spain fought out a violent 1-1 draw, including extra-time, in Florence.

The Italians lost right-half Pizziolo to a broken leg and seven Spaniards and four Italians were missing through injury for the replay the following day, which Italy won 1-0.

Austria were 2-1 winners in Bologna against the Hungarians, who were hampered by the sending off of right winger Markos.

The semi-final line up was completed by Germany, who beat Sweden 2-1 in Milan, and Czechoslovakia, 3-2 winners against Switzerland in Turin.

The Czechs were comfortable 3-1 semi-final winners against Germany in Rome and, in the other semi-final, Italy beat Hugo Meisl's Austrian `Wunderteam' 1-0 on a quagmire pitch in Milan.

Argentine-born right winger Guaita scored the only goal of the game after 18 minutes. The Austrians looked tired but Italy had an escape in the final minute when Zischek broke clear only to drag his shot wide.

Italy had been the clear favourites to win the tournament and went into the final full of confidence.

The game offered a contrast of styles. Italy had stamina and power, as well as home advantage, while the Czechs' strength was their subtlety and skill.

The Czechs seized the initiative and the Rome crowd was stunned when Puc fired them ahead with 20 minutes to go.

Sobotka missed a clear chance and Svoboda's shot rattled a post as the Czechs sought in vain to finish Italy off.

But the Italians, who had brought on a couple of forwards in a bid to save the game, did so eight minutes from time.

Argentine-born striker Raimondo Orsi claimed an equaliser out of the blue with a swerving shot.

The Italians took charge in extra time and Angelo Schiavio scored the winner ensuring that Mussolini was able to make maximum political capital out of the tournament.