Italia 90: When Football Changed Forever

A look back at how the 1990 World Cup and how it affected England's reputation in international football, in light of the growing hooliganism problem of the past decade. The first programme examines the beginning of the tournament, as the people of Sardinia awaited the arrival of English fans, as well as looking back over the state of football in the 1980s.

In the wake of the 1988 Euros, the reputation of the England players and fans has hit rock bottom, so the Italian authorities locate England's group games to Sardinia, to keep the hooligans away from the mainland. As the players progress, undercover British police officers are tasked with keeping the peace off the pitch, in the hope that England can make it to the knockout stage.

Incredibly, England have made it to the knockouts. But as the fans celebrate, authorities hold their breath as the English head for the Italian mainland. From the beach pubs of Rimini to the buses in Naples, everywhere they go, all England fans are treated as football hooligans. But with World in Motion, Platt's goal, and Gazza's tears, can Italia 90 finally rewrite the story of English football?