Italy's World Cup winning side are to be bestowed with the order of merit of the Italian Republic.

The Azzurri, who won their fourth world title on Sunday after beating France on penalties, were received by Giorgio Napolitano, president of the Italian Republic, at the Chigi Palace in Rome two hours after returning home from Germany.

Napolitano, who was present at Sunday's final, will honour the Azzurri in recognition of the "sporting value and the national spirit they have shown".